WHITTIER, Calif. – The Poets welcomed the Caltech Beavers to Memorial Stadium on Wednesday night and came away with a much-needed 3-1 victory.
Whittier wasted no time applying offensive pressure, creating several scoring opportunities in the opening minutes.
The Beavers' goalkeeper was tested early, facing seven shots within the first 15 minutes of play.
Although none of those attempts found the back of the net, the Poets continued to build momentum as they searched for the opening goal.
In the 19th minute, Adina Johnson capitalized on a defensive lapse by Caltech and broke the deadlock to give Whittier a 1-0 advantage. Nena Resendiz provided the assist.
Just four minutes later, the Poets struck again. This time, Resendiz found herself on the scoresheet, converting a chance off a pass from Anabelle Allison in the 23rd minute to double the lead.
Whittier entered halftime ahead 2-0 after a commanding first-half performance that limited the Beavers to just two shots.
The Poets carried that intensity into the second half, maintaining their attacking rhythm and continuing to challenge the Caltech goalkeeper.
In the 74th minute, Bella Lechuga added to Whittier's advantage, finding the back of the net to extend the lead to 3-0.
With time winding down, the Beavers mounted a late offensive push and broke through in the 89th minute, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
Despite conceding the late goal, Whittier secured the victory after controlling much of the contest and outshooting Caltech 18-7.
The Poets will now hit the road to face Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. Catch all the action on FloCollege.
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