WHITTIER, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2022)-  The Poets lost to the visiting Banana Slugs Tuesday evening in a tough test against a strong team that is now 8-2 this season.

Fresh off its weekend win, Whittier brought energy to a back-and-forth first set. As the game progressed, the teams exchanged momentum until the Banana Slugs pulled away with a towering lead after a ten-point run. However, that did not deter the Poets, who remained competitive before ultimately falling short 25-20. 

Miscues and miscommunication were the Poets' downfall in the second set, which they dropped 25-13.

The Whittier women began the third set energetically on a 2-0 run. Though Santa Cruz went on another spurt, Whittier continued to fight. With their backs against the wall, the Poets made a final push, falling 25-21 in the third and final set and 3-0 in the match. 

Junior Xenia Villagomez performed well for the Poets, posting an impressive .667 kill percentage with a team-high six kills and two block assists. On the defensive end, junior libero Tori Mejia contributed eleven digs.

The Poets are back in action this weekend as they travel to Thousand Oaks to compete in the Cal Lu Fornia Invite tournament, going head-to-head with University of Minnesota, Morris on Friday at noon, UC Santa Cruz for the second time on Saturday at noon, and wrapping up the weekend with Endicott on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com