WHITTIER, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2021) – Freshman goalkeeper Arizbeth Juarez (Whittier, Calif. / California) helped the Whittier women's soccer team push visiting Chapman University to the limit in Wednesday's season opener, which also marked the first time the Poets have taken the field in nearly two years.

The two SCIAC foes traded chances following a hot start for the Panthers' attack, but the Poets' backline ultimately prevailed, causing Chapman's first six shots of the game to be off-target. Soon, Whittier's success on the defensive end began to translate into chances going back the other way. Rookie forwards Layla Traylor (Covina, Calif. / Oak) and Elizabeth Roybal (West Covina, Calif. / South Hills) each had shots on goal for the Poets in the first half, and Roybal's two shots on goal in regulation paced all Whittier players.

As the Chapman offense began to raise its game, so too did Juarez in her collegiate debut. The freshman picked up seven of her 11 saves on the night during a busy second half where the visitors eventually broke through with 14 minutes to spare. Seeking retribution, the Poets looked to retaliate in the final 14, even generating two goal-scoring opportunities in the final three minutes of regulation. The final chance came thanks to freshman midfielder Juliana Hodgson (Fullerton, Calif. / Sunny Hills), keeping with the theme of standout freshman performances for the Purple & Gold.

Head Coach Derek Hanks and the Poets will look to break into the win column with another SCIAC tilt, this time at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges on Wednesday, Sept. 8.