WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2022)- The Poets hosted the Chapman Panthers in their last home match of the year. Before the game, both teams took a second to honor the graduating seniors. The seniors being recognized for the Poets were Kaitlin Bullock, Della Trimble, Hailey Kelley, Lauryn Patrizio, and Hana Abdullah. 

As the match began, the senior spotlight continued. Trimble began the serving for Whittier and got them out on an amazing 6-0 run capped off by 2 service aces. Whittier did not stop their dominant start there and went ahead 16-8. Chapman would then stage a small comeback and make the score 22-22. However, fellow senior Bullock was able to smash an impressive kill and the Poets took the first set 25-23. 

The second set opened up on another strong Whittier run, taking advantage of massive swings by Analise Kusleika, giving the Poets 3 kills and a 9-4 lead. The closest the Panthers were able to get in this set was 12-16, as Whittier would play very strong and beat Chapman 25-17. 

Following two losses the Panthers came out ready to fight in the third. This set remained close throughout. As the end approached, Whittier had an 18-16 lead. Chapman though was able to pull through at the end 25-23. 

The energy in the building was in favor of the Panthers and they took advantage of that in the fourth set. Whittier was never able to get anything going for them and lost the set 25-11. 

This game would require a full 5 sets. The fifth opened and Chapman got off to a good start taking a 6-2 lead. Whittier was then able to come back and make the score 11-8 Panthers. The Poets would tie it at 13; however, this is where the comeback would end as Chapman was able to take the final set 15-13. 

The Poets would lose this match to Chapman, 3 sets to 2. All 5 Poet seniors were able to see action tonight on the court and provide value. Trimble had 3 kills and 25 assists, to go along with her 16 digs. Bullock led the Poets in kills with 10. Patrizio played exceptional defense coming away with 15 digs. Abdullah swung hard tonight and gave the girls 5 kills and 2 block assists. Kelly also gave Whittier big hits walking away with a .400 kill percentage and a block assist. 

Whittier's final game will be tomorrow as they will travel to take on the CalTech Beavers at 2:00. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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