WHITTIER, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2022)-  With Whittier's 3-2 win over Caltech Saturday night, the Poets improved their season record to 6-6 overall and 2-1 in the SCIAC. Freshman outside hitter, Sofia Zazueta, was named Player of the Match after posting an impressive 14 kills and nine digs.

"It feels good to know that the hard work put into practices and lifts pay off, but I have my teammates and coaches to thank for constantly pushing to raise the level of play every time we step on the court together," said Zazueta.

Less than 24 hours after playing Friday night, a sweep at Chapman, the Poets looked out of rhythm when they started Saturday's match. Miscommunication amongst the players led to unforced errors in the first set, and the Poets saw themselves trailing quickly. After going back and forth with the Beavers for the majority of the set, Caltech pulled away at the end to win the first set 25-20.

The second set started off with much of the same, Whittier found themselves plagued by miscommunication, quickly trailing 5-1. Raging back, the Poets tied the game at 12 before the seesaw battle of points began again. Finally, with the game tied at 23, the Poets finished strong and took the last two points and the set, 25-23. 

With the match tied at 1-1, the third set began. The Beavers started another set off strong, jumping out to a 6-1 lead before the Poets responded with a 4-0 run with of their own. Caltech then went on multiple more runs throughout the set, including a 14-6 spurt to bring its lead to 21-13. The Beaver ultimately won the set, 25-21. 

Trailing 2-1, the Poets needed to win the next set to keep their hopes alive in the match. The home team quickly jumped ahead of the Beavers, 13-5. Caltech then staged a comeback, tying the game at 14. This would be the closest the Beavers would come in the set, however, as Whittier then took full control and won 25-17. 

Whittier's momentum would carry over to the decisive fifth set, in full control after taking an 11-5 lead over the Beavers. The Poets continued to fight until the last point, winning the set, 15-10, and the match on a service error by the Beavers.

"This game showed us that we have to come ready to play every day," senior setter and captain Della Trimble said. "Even when we play well the day before, each match is a new one, and we must treat them as it. This match also showed how much resiliency this team has. We fight for each point and play for our teammates. This team will never back down from a challenge and will battle until the last point."

Junior Xenia Villagomez and first-year player Cheyanne Ybañez each had 12 kills, with the freshman also contributing 16 digs. Junior libero Tori Mejia contributed an impressive 23 digs. 

Whittier improved its conference record to 2-1 with the victory and will take on Pomona-Pitzer next Tuesday the 27th at home at 7:00 PM.  

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com