WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct 18, 2022)- After a tough stretch of three straight losses, the Poets competed against a tough La Verne team, ultimately falling in four sets.

The first set began with the Leopards coming out swinging and gaining a quick 4-0 lead. Whittier was able to show signs of life fighting back to make it 10-7. La Verne would go on another run though and extend their lead to 19-10. Eventually, the Poets would drop the set 25-18.

Whittier started the second set with much more energy. They took advantage of some La Verne miscues and were able to go ahead 12-6. La Verne would not go away though as they came back and were within 3 points of the Poets with the score 23-20. The set would end 25-20 in favor of the Poets on a ferocious kill by Maia Cicero. 

Down 5-1 early in the third set, the Poets were not ready to give up and would once again tie it at 7. The score would continue to be close and was tied at 19. The Leos were able to make a small run at the end of the game, but down 24-23, Xenia Villagomez was able to ace a score to even it up at 24. La Verne would then go on to score two points and take the set 26-24. 

Trailing 2 sets to 1 the women were on their heels as they opened the fourth set. Communication errors and bad hits would lead the Poets to a 4-2 deficit. The set remained close throughout with both teams landing big hits on the other. With the score tied at 18 though La Verne went on a 4-point run followed by the same from Whittier. The score was once again tied at 22. Unfortunately, the Leos would score the next three points to take the set 25-22. 

The Poets would fall in their fourth straight SCIAC match to the University of La Verne. They were led on the offensive side by Villagomez, who provided the team with 11 kills and 13.5 points. Brianna Rodriguez had another solid game on the defensive side giving the Poets 19 digs. 

The Whittier women's next game will come on Friday the 21st as they head to Redlands to take on the Bulldogs at 7 p.m.. The Poets dominated the Bulldogs in the first matchup of the season, a home sweep.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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