LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2024) – Freshmen
Noah Bigara (Cape Town, South Africa / Pinnacle Schools),
Zander Montoya (La Verne, Calif. / Damien) and
Loronzo Angolucci (Pescara, Italy / Serie B) have been voted as All-SCIAC players for the 2024 season.
Bigara headlined the group by picking up the SCIAC Newcomer of the Year award as the conference's top-performing freshmen. Between Bigara, Montoya, Angolucci and others, it could be argued that Whittier had multiple players who would have been front runners for the award, however, Bigara's two-way proficiency, combined with his proficiency for clutch plays gave him the edge. The South African center had 52 goals this season, as one of three Poets to cross the 50-goal threshhold. He also had 11 assists, 18 steals and finished among the SCIAC leaders in drawn exclusions with 53 while only being excluded six times himself.
As for Montoya and Angolucci, both players earned spots on Second Team All-SCIAC for the 2024 season. he led the Poets in both goals and assists with 55 and 27. Down the stretch, the La Verne-native distinguished himself as the Poets' premier offensive weapon, and a go-to option on five-meter penalty shots (where he also led the Poets). His 20 steals also placed him among the team leaders while his temperament and ability to deliver in the face of adversity more than earned him his spot on the list.
In Angolucci's case, the Italian goalkeeper came to Whittier to split goalkeeping duties, but eventually earned a larger portion of the timeshare and evolved into top SCIAC goalkeeper in just his first season of participation. He led the team with 162 saves in 20 games, even assisting on a goal earlier this season. Angolucci's defensive awareness is well beyond his years, and he is expected to comprise a key cog in the Poets' future plans.
Out of an 18-man roster the finish the season, the Poets are set to graduate just four players, and 11 of this year's 18 players are freshmen. Because of this, Head Coach
Preslav Djippov and the Poets are primed to take another step forward competing in the premier water polo conference in Division III athletics.
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