Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

WHITTIER, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2022) – The Whittier College volleyball team, led by senior Katelyn Popoff (Hacienda Heights, Calif. / Sonora) and sophomore Xenia Villagomez (Corona, Calif. / Santiago), flashed its talent and resilience during Wednesday's season-opening match against the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The Poets contended with an experienced Banana Slugs squad admirably, making plays on both the offensive and defensive end. Senior Franki Piloto (Ontario, Calif. / Pomona Catholic) earned Whittier its first kill since 2019 during the first set, with junior setter Della Trimble (Saratoga, Calif. / West Valley College) providing the assist. From there, the Poets went back and forth with the visitors until Santa Cruz found a late groove, however, the set did not come easy. In fact, some of the Poets' best moments materialized with their backs against the wall. Whittier first embarked on a 5-1 run at the end of the first set, capped by a kill from junior Hailey Kelley (Porterville, Calif. / Monache), then had another 5-1 run at the tail end of the third set, which concluded with a Piloto strike. 

Popoff featured as one of the Poets' statistical standouts, combining four kills with 10 digs and one service ace. Villagomez, meanwhile, proved she can be a serious factor at the net, finishing the match with one solo block and three assisted blocks. She also got involved offensively with four kills of her own. Other notable Whittier producers included Trimble, who finished one dig shy of a double-double (11 assists, nine digs), and Piloto who also contributed four kills.

Head Coach Chris Duarte-McDermott and the Poets will have an opportunity to work their way into the win column this weekend with four games at the Pacific Coast Classic in Claremont, Calif. Whittier is first slated to face off with George Fox University at 9:30 a.m. on Friday before taking on Augustana College at 2 p.m.