WHITTTIER, Calif. (September 13, 2023)- The Poets opened SCIAC play Wednesday night against conference opponent Pomona-Pitzer. Although Whittier played hard and had their opportunities to score, ultimately the Sagehens were able to hold onto a narrow 1-0 victory. 

As the whistle blew to begin the game, the Poets instantly put the pressure on Pomona as they had two shots on goals within the first 2 minutes. Layla Traylor (Covina, Calif., Oak HS) was on the prowl once again to get one past the goalie and add to her goal total for the year, but the Pitzer goalie was not letting anything past her. In the 27th minute the Sagehens had control of the ball and were able to send one just out of the reach of the Poets goalie, Beth Juarez (Whittier, Calif., California HS). The first half would end with Pomona-Pitzer up 1-0. 

The second half was very similar to the first as both teams continued to take the other one head on. Whittier remained confident in their offense and kept shooting despite nothing finding the back of the net.  The strong defense displayed by both teams made this battle a low-scoring affair and the match would end with Pomona-Pitzer capturing the 1-0 victory. 

Whittier had many chances to score in this opening match, but the ball just did not fly in the right direction. The girls put up 10 shots on goal lead by offensive leaders Layla Traylor, 3, and Avery Gonzalez (Claremont, Calif., Claremont | St. Francis College), 2.  The Poets will look to bounce back from this game as they take on another conference opponent on Saturday. They will be hosting the Occidental Tigers at 4:00, in what should be another battle.

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