WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2025) – The No. 5 Whittier College men's water polo team delivered another high-effort performance on Saturday morning at Lillian Slade Aquatics Center, going blow for blow with sixth-ranked Cal Lutheran before falling 10–14 in SCIAC action. The matchup served as the Poets' second-to-last regular-season contest and once again highlighted their ability to generate offense against top-tier competition.
Whittier matched CLU in total shot attempts, finishing with 24, and received a standout showing from sophomore attacker Zander Montoya (La Verne, Calif. / Damien), who scored a team-high four goals and added two assists. Ethan Klerck (Cape Town, South Africa / South African First Division) contributed a pair of goals, while Whittier's supporting attack continued to create quality chances throughout all four quarters.
Goalkeeper Lorenzo Angelucci (Pescara, Italy / Serie B) anchored the Poets defensively with nine saves, helping keep Whittier within striking distance throughout the morning. The Poets also tallied seven steals and won three of four sprints, reflecting the team's energy and competitiveness from start to finish.
Head Coach Preslav Djippov and the Poets are now 15-11 overall and 5-6 in SCIAC play. Whittier returns home for its regular-season finale on Wednesday, November 12, hosting La Verne, a team receiving national votes, at Lillian Slade Aquatics Center at 7 p.m.
