WHITTIER, Calif. (September 9, 2023)- The Whittier women took on The Master's University Mustangs in non-conference bout Friday night. After two early goals from the Mustangs, the Poets fought hard to make a comeback in the second half but came up just short. Master's would hold on to secure a 2-1 victory over Whittier.
The Poets came out with a great energy and were ready to fight with a shot from Layla Traylor (Covina, Calif., Oak) coming inches away from being a goal within the first 2 minutes of action. However, it was the Mustangs who struck first scoring nearly identical goals at the 7 and 11 minute marks. These two goals created a momentum shift in the action, as the Poets were just not quite able to capitalize on any of their major opportunities. They continued to pepper the goal, but none were able to cross the plane.
As the second half began, the Poets once again came out with passion. They had multiple opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net, but the ball was not flying their way. Whittier continued to sharpen their play on the defensive side this second half and were keeping the Mustangs away from scoring chances. Then in the 82nd minute Layla Traylor got the Poets on the board with a goal thanks to a beautiful assist from Juliana Hodgson (Fullerton, Calif., Sunny Hills). Katie Alexander (Lakewood, Calif., Vanguard University | Cerritos College) continued her good start with the Poets coming so close to tying the game up in the 87th minute, unfortunately the Master's goalie made a save and wrapped this game up.
The Poets would end up losing this game by a final score of 1-2. The ladies fought hard to come back after trailing early, but ran out of time before they could capitalize on another goal. Whittier has looked good in their first 2 games on the year and will look to continue that in their first SCIAC game next Wednesday (September 13th) at 4:00 against Pomona-Pitzer at home.
Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!
