PASADENA, Calif. (March 9, 2023)- The Whittier women travelled to Caltech Wednesday night to take on the Beavers in a SCIAC matchup. This was the first conference game of the season for the Poets, and they dominated on the offensive end to an 18-13 victory. 

The first period was a slow start for the Poets as they were only able to score one goal. Grace Arnsparger found the back of the net half way through the period, but the Beavers answered back by scoring 3 goals of their own. 

Down 3-1, the women came out in the second with a tenacity. The Beavers took the first goal of the period, but Whittier answered right back with an amazing 4 goals in less than two minutes. Ally Burke took control of the pool in the second half of the period going on a run of her own. In the final 4 minutes of the period Burke outscored the whole Beaver team 4-2. The Poets kept firing the ball throughout the period and at halftime held a 9-6 lead over the Beavers. 

Whittier kept the scoring up in the third period with another 6 goals, but Cal Tech would not go away as they were able to net 5 of their own. 5 different women were able to find the back of the net this period, as the team was playing with a great flow with each other. 

As the fourth period began the Poets had a 15-11 lead, and were ready to put the Beavers away. The women tightened up their defense and kept the Beavers away from the net. With the time ticking down on the clock,  goalie Alexys Puche swam the ball down the pool and put the nail in the coffin with a deep goal. 

The Poets played a great team game, especially on the offensive end. 7 different women scored goal this game and 9 recorded points. Burke was the star in the pool having an amazing 10 point game with 5 goals and 5 assists. Jaycee Morris also played a great scoring 5 goals, with a steal. Arnsparger was a key factor on both ends of the pool scoring 3 goals and grabbing 2 steals. Margarita Moreno, Chloe Gardhouse, and Jenna Marsh also contributed goals for the Poets. Puche also showed why she is one of the best goalies in the conference swimming away with a 13 saves, a goal, and an assist. 

This was a great first win for the Poets, but they have to keep their heads down and keep playing well in conference. Whittier will be back in action at home this Saturday, March 11th. They will take the Chapman Panthers at 11:00. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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