WHITTIER, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2026) – Senior attacker Alexandra Haluska (Brea, Calif. / Brea Olinda / Fullerton College) of the Whittier College women's water polo team nearly willed her team to victory against a tough Virginia Military Institute team in a rematch from the 2025 women's water polo season.

Haluska opened scoring for the Poets and went on to maintain an offensive presence in every quarter thereafter. One of her most consequential tallies came with 16 seconds to go in the third quarter when she cut the deficit to just one goal heading into the final frame. Junior high school and former junior college teammate Kayla Arias (Brea, Calif. / Brea Olinda / Fullerton College) followed up Haluska's goal in the third period by tying the game in a man-up opportunity before VMI turned on the jets late in the game.

Prior to the second half, Thusrday's game took on a more defensive tone with solid play in front of junior goalie Aubrie Kirkby Tatro (San Luis Obispo, Calif. Arroyo Grande / Cuesta College). The second-year starter made 12 saves to keep the Purple & Gold competitive with the Keydets.

Head Coach Preslav Djippov and the Poets will head to Cal State Fullerton for two games on Friday, Jan. 23. They will take on the Titans at Noon, followed by future SCIAC foe Azusa Pacific University at 3 p.m.

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