SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2022)-  The Poets earned their first win of the 2022 season, overtaking UC Santa Cruz 2-1 on the road Saturday. Whittier was led by its senior class, with both goals, the lone assist and the goalie win all recorded by seniors.

Senior Nainoa Laschky scored in the first half, assisted by fellow senior defender Hayden Barnouw. The goal was set up beautifully by Barnouw, who made a long run down the left flank before setting up Loschky at the near post.

Senior midfielder Zach Guarino then scored on a 21-yard free kick in the 64th minute to give Whittier a 2-0 lead. Guarino's goal proved to be the game-winner, the first of his collegiate career. The score was the Denverite's second as a Poet. This season, he has factored in two of Whittier's four goals, tallying a goal and an assist.

Goalkeeper Lachlan Davidson picked up the win in his first start of the season and third of his collegiate career. The Portland native saved five of six shots on goal, the only blemish coming in the 75th minute on a penalty kick.

"We implemented what we've been working on and got a good result giving us some momentum as we return to SCIAC play," said Davidson.

The Poets aim to string together a winning streak in their next match back at home vs CMS this Wednesday at 7 p.m.