WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022)- The Poets have only lost three matches all season, and yet, they will just miss qualifying for the SCIAC Postseason Tournament. Only four teams get in, and by virtue of Whittier's 3-3 tie Wednesday night against fourth-seeded Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, it will finish fifth.

Although the Poets and Athenas would finish tied for fourth if Whittier wins its final game and CMS loses its, CMS owns the tiebreakerer, holding a 1-0-1 record against its SCIAC counterpart this season.

The Athenas jumped out to a quick lead with a goal less than two and a half minutes into the match and then took a 2-0 advantage in the 36th minute. At halftime, CMS held the advantage in shots on goal: 10-4.

It appeared as if the Poets may fade into the Whittier night, as CMS had not allowed three goals in a game-- let alone a half-- to a SCIAC opponent all season.

"Our comeback shows how hardworking and dedicated my team is," said senior Mackenzie Reed. "Being down two goals wasn't going to stop us. We wanted to secure our spot in the SCIAC Tournament, and we were going to do it."

Alas, Whittier scored the next three goals to stun CMS and take a 3-2 lead with less than 13 minutes remaining.

"At halftime, we talked about having nothing to lose," Reed continued, "so why not leave everything on the field and just go for it? This lit a fire in us, and we fought our hardest until the last second."

 The first two goals were scored by sophomore Layla Traylor, who now leads the team in goals with six. The brace marks the young star's first collegiate multi-goal game.

The first goal came in the 59th minute and was assisted by senior Michelle Abarca, the second of the defender's college career.

Then, Traylor nailed a penalty kick into the right side of the net to even the score in the 70th minute.

Next, senior defender Audrey Jeltema rushed the net, but her shot went off the goalkeeper to Reed, who kicked the ball in for a 3-2 Whittier lead.

"I thought (Jeltema) had it, but her shot deflected off the goalie and left the ball rolling right in front of me," Reed said. "I looked up at the empty net and thought to myself, 'This is it, don't mess it up.' Everyone went wild, and I will never forget the amazing energy of that moment."

The goal by the Hawaiian forward in the 78th minute was her first of the season and seventh of her Whittier career.

Ultimately, the Poets could not hang onto the lead, allowing a CMS goal with less than a four and a half minutes remaining in the contest.

"Even though it was not the outcome we wanted, we sure gave CMS a run for their money," Reed said. "This team is very talented, and once they realize their potential, nothing will stop them from reaching sucess in the future."

Whittier completes a special season Friday night at 7 p.m. at home vs. Redlands on Senior Night. The team's six seniors-- Abarca, Jeltema, Reed, Alexis Huff, Olivia Hamm and Vanessa Martinez-- will be honored and celebrated.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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