WHITTIER, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2022) - Whittier improved to 5-0-2, its best start to a season in program history, after defeating UC Santa Cruz 2-1 Saturday afternoon. Junior Avery Gonzalez scored her third goal of the season in the sixth minute, while sophomore Layla Traylor's team-leading fourth goal of the campaign proved to be the game-winner with just over twelve minutes remaining. Both goals were unassisted.

"Coach Derek once told me big-time players score big-time goals," Traylor said, "and I knew what I needed to do. I just turned and burned the two defenders on me down the middle of the field and decided to take the shot with my left instead of passing it like I have before."

"Layla's goal was amazing," said senior defender Alexis Huff of Traylor's breakaway score. "As soon as she shot the ball, I knew it was going in. She absolutely banged it into the right side of the goal."

Three of Traylor's four goals this season have been game-winners, tied with Cal Lutheran's Isabella Veljacic for most in the SCIAC this year.

The seven combined goals by Gonzalez and Traylor are tied for most by teammates in the SCIAC this season. Cal Lutheran's Veljacic (five goals) and Savana Durr (two) have also combined for seven scores.

Senior goalie and reigning SCIAC Defensive Player of the Week Vanessa Martinez posted another strong showing, saving three of four shots on goal. Martinez leads SCIAC goalkeepers in wins (five), saves (38), saves per match (5.43), shutouts (three) and save percentage (.864).

The lone Banana Slugs goal was scored by Payton Cichowski and assisted by Camillle Anneet nearly three minutes into the second half.

Whittier dominated Santa Cruz in shots (23 to 11) and in shots on goal (eight to four).

Huff was named Player of the Match but directed the attention toward her teammates when asked about her performance Saturday.

"I'm happy with my performance today," Huff said, "but this win would not have been possible without all of us on the field giving it everything we got."

The senior added that she is "so proud of this team" for its effort "in the extreme heat."

Traylor spoke glowingly about Huff. 

"Lexi is a freakin' beast and always gives 110 percent," Traylor said. "She's an amazing leader and teammate and never fails to put a smile on our faces." 

Whittier's next match will take place on the road against the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas Wendesday at 7 p.m.