WHITTIER, CA. (OCt. 17, 2023)- After defeating Redlands last week, the Poets played host to the Cal Lutheran Regals as they continued SCIAC play. Whittier was looking to stay in the playoff hunt with a victory, but Cal Lutheran played spoiler to this plan. The Regals would hold out to be the Poets 3 sets to 1. 

First Set: 
The first set began and both teams were ready to fight. They kept the game close going back and forth, until the game was tied at 11. Then the Regals went on a little run to capture a 15-11 lead over the Poets. Following this Regals run the teams started to trade points once again. Neither team would give the other the edge and they found themselves once again tied at 24. Unfortunately, the Regals would go on the final run and take the first set by a final score of 26-24.

Second Set:
The second set started off with the Poets asserting themselves early. Up 8-6, Whittier went on an explosive 6 point run with a combination of great offensive attacks and excellent communication on defense. The Poets were starting to look like themselves again and continued to dominate on both sides of the court. Shortly after their 6 point run was ended, Whittier began another hot streak and carried a 6 point run to a 20-8 advantage. The Poets were not letting this set get away from them and continued to put pressure on the Regals until they captured a 25-11 victory. Through the first 2 sets of the match the Poets were hitting outstandingly, with 28 kills to only 5 errors. 

Third Set:
Once again this third set opened up with both SCIAC opponents battling hard for an advantage. It was the Regals who took this early advantage, as at one point they led 9-5. Cal Lutheran continued to put the pressure on Whittier and took control over this set with a 14-7 foot up. The Poets were not communicating like they were in the second set and would eventually drop this one 25-17.

Fourth Set:
In a must win set for the Poets, the girls started off much better than the third. The 2 teams kept the score close at the start. With a 13-9 lead the Regals were looking to put this game away, but the Poets were able to fight back into this game thanks to 3 straight service aces from libero Nadine Oronoz (Whittier, Calif., Rio Hondo College). With the score tied at 13 Cal Lutheran was looking to win this match in this fourth set, while the Poets were fighting to keep it going. The Regals once again would go on a big run to take a 20-14 advantage over the Poets. In the end, Cal Lutheran would hold on to defeat Whittier by a final of 25-19.  

The Regals would win this match 3-1 and spoil the Poet's home-court advantage. Despite this defeat Whittier had a few bright spots that stood out this game. Riley DeGroot (Ontario, Calif., Mt. San Antonio College) continued her great season with 13 total kills. While Oronoz played exceptional defense and came away with 20 digs and an outstanding 5 service aces. Whittier will look to bounce back from this game and continue their quest for a playoff spot this Saturday when they travel to Pasadena to take on the Caltech Beavers. This SCIAC match will begin at 2:00.