Photo: Tony Leon/D3WestPhotography

WHITTIER, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2022) – The Whittier College women's water polo team received goal-scoring contributions from 10 different players in Saturday morning's 16-2 victory of Caltech.

The Poets put it all together on both sides of the ball, holding the Pasadena-based Beavers off the scoreboard for the first half of the game as things began to open up offensively as the game rolled along. Senior center Natasha Velez (La Habra, Calif. / Cypress College) broke out with four goals and was joined by senior teammate Alex Lopez (Boyle Heights, Calif. / Fullerton College) as members of the Poets' squad to score at least three times.

Whittier's ability to press Caltech led to added opportunities, as the Poets a season-best 16 team steals off the Beavers with three of them belonging to senior defender Karissa Qualley (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. / Long Beach City College). The Poets' transition game also opened up the passing lanes, as the team finished with assists on half of its goals, four of which came off the hand of freshman Gaby Spoonhower (Yorba Linda, Calif. / Esperanza). Senior Teresa Marchetti (Messina, Italy / Liceo La Farina) also registered a complete offensive game with two goals and two assists. In net, the Poets' goalkeepers did their job with 12 combined saves coming from senior Lauren Tapia (Whittier, Calif. / Rosary) and freshman Alexys Puche (Whittier, Calif. / Rosary). Prior to the game, the Poets' five senior members were honored and recognized for their contributions to the program as part of Senior Day.

Head Coach David Kasa and the Poets will face a stiffer test when they host California Lutheran University (6-3 SCIAC) on Wednesday, Apr. 6 at 7 p.m.

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