Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College Women's Soccer team opened up their 2016 campaign Thursday evening edging Soka University 3-2 in the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium. 

The Poets were the first to find the back of the net eleven minutes into the match, when junior midfielder Lauren Kai (Torrance, Calif.) got past Soka keeper Alicia Davis inside of the Lion's 18-yard box.  She placed her shot low near post giving Whittier an early 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, a quick counter-attack from Soka's offense earned them the first corner of the game and connected with Jager-Sumner finding the back post where Denim Belville was there to head in the equalizer. 

With only three minutes passing in the second period, the Poet's attacking midfielder Leah Kolek (Diamond Bar, Calif.) found the back of the net to put WC in front once again with a powerful header placing it near post off a set piece served in by freshman Clarissa Field (Whittier, Calif.) from the right side.

Two minutes later, transfer Francesca Esobedo (Fontana, Calif.) netted her first goal of the season after Kaela Reisfelt (Beverly Hills, Calif.) connected her pass down the line to teammate Erin Myers (Hacienda Heights, Calif.) on the left flank. Myers took her touch into space, and served in a dangerous cross second-six to Escobedo for the first-time finish, giving the Poets the two goal advantage.

With 20 minutes left in the second half, Jennifer Muise (Chino Hills, Calif.) gave up a foul outside of the Poets penalty box providing Soka with a scoring opportunity, which they took advantage of as Jager-Sumner found Belville's head that got past a diving Alexi Cruz (Long Beach, Calif.).

But that would be the final goal added for the contest as Whittier would hold on for the one-goal victory. 

Whittier controlled the offense firing off 17 shots compared to Soka's 11.  They had six corner kicks and seven shots on goal.  Escobedo took four shots with two being on goal along with Reisfelt.  Kai finished with three shots with a goal and an assist.

"For our first contest of the season, I believe that the team played well," explained Head Coach Monica Gerardo.  "We created many chances in the attacking third, which led to three goals. Defensively, for a majority of the game we were solid. A couple of mental breakdowns, as a defensive unit, and execution by SOKA led to their two goals. Overall, we have grown positively and look forward to our next match versus Lewis & Clark."

Whittier returns home to take on Lewis & Clark, tomorrow, Saturday, September 3 beginning at 11:00am.