WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2022)- Whittier took on the Redlands Bulldogs in their final home match of the year. Before the game, the graduating seniors were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the programs.
As the whistle blew and the game began the Bulldogs got off to a great start scoring in 2 of their first 3 possessions. Whittier, however, would not let them ruin their senior day. Ricky Reyes Jr. was able to lead the Poets back from this early deficit with his 2 first-period goals to tie it up. Before the period ended both teams would score 1 more to make it a 3-3 tied game.
The second period was another hard fought back and forth. Luke Shropshire opened the scoring, finding the back of the net for his second of the game. As the season has started to come to an end the Poets have been facing a short bench due to injuries and sickness, but this allowed others opportunities to get in the pool and show what they have. One of the biggest highlights of the day was backup goalie Owen Printup, who was forced to play in the field because of the player shortage. Printup was able to find the back of the net and score the first collegiate goal of his career. The Poets had a 6-5 lead going into the half.
Coming out of the half, both teams were looking to take control of a close game. Whittier was able to take a small advantage quickly with the help of goals from seniors Reyes Jr. and Ethan Saenz. Redlands would then score 3 before the Poets scored 2 more, to take a 10-8 lead going into the last period.
The Whittier seniors wanted this win and Kaan Hamurculu extended their lead with his second goal of the game as the fourth period started. Redlands would try to make a comeback, but Shropshire and Reyes Jr. would continue their domination in the game to pull the Poets away.
Whittier would come away with a 13-10 victory over the Redland Bulldogs. The Poets played an excellent game to end their season at home. In a game in which the seniors were being honored, they also wanted to put on a show. Reyes Jr., Hamurculu, and Saenz would all score multiple goals on the day-to-end very impressive careers.
We would like to thank you all for following us this season and supporting the Poet men. Also a big thank you to all the families, friends, and fans who came out to cheer on the team every game. As we say goodbye to a loved group of seniors, we are excited about the future of the program and hope to see you out on the pool deck next season!
Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
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