WHITTIER, Calif. (March 11, 2023)- The Poets hosted the Chapman Panthers today in their SCIAC home opener, winning 12-10 thanks to excellent second-half defense.

As time was ticking down in the first period, Jaycee Morris was able to find the back of the goal to give the Poets their only goal of the period. Heading to the second, Chapman led 2-1. 

During the second, the Whittier women came out with a fierce tenacity, but Chapman was ready to fight. Amelia Bennett was able to score early in the period and set the tone for the rest of the team. Later in the period, Morris, Chloe Gardhouse, and Ally Burke fought hard and added to the Poets goal total. Going in the half the Panthers had an 8-5 lead over Whittier. 

Whittier was ready to keep fighting as the second half began. The girls began to put everything together and mesh well on both sides of the pool. Bennett was able to open the scoring up for the Poets once again. She was followed by Burke, Grace Arnsparger, and Emily Flores firing missiles past the Chapman goalie. On the defensive end Whittier played much better as well, goalie Alexys Puche was a wall during this quarter and, heading to the final period, it was tied, 10-10. 

Burke was able to put the Poets on top early in the fourth quarter with her third goal of the game. Morris would then extend the Poets' lead with her third goal of the game! Puche continued to play excellent in the goal and eventually Whittier came out on top 12-10. 

The Whittier women played a great all-around game but really turned up their intensity in the second half. Morris, Bennett, and Burke each finished with three goals. Arnsparger contributed three assists, while Gardhouse tallied three steals. The other star of the game was Puche, who only allowed two goals the entire second half, coming away with seven blocked shots and three steals. 

Whittier will take on a tough Pomona-Pitzer team this Wednesday the 15th. This game will be at home at 7 p.m., as the Poets look to stay undefeated in SCIAC play. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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