WHITTIER, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2026) – The Whittier College women's water polo team faced a tough test against No. 3 ranked California Lutheran on Saturday morning, battling through a physical SCIAC matchup at Lillian Slade Aquatics Center.

Taking on one of the top teams in the nation, the Poets showed resilience throughout the contest, highlighted by strong individual efforts and continued offensive pressure.

Alexandra Haluska (Brea, Calif. / Brea Olinda / Fullerton College) led the way offensively, recording a hat trick with three goals on six shots. The senior accounted for three of Whittier's four goals and consistently created opportunities against a disciplined Cal Lutheran defense.

Paula Fernandez (Barcelona, Spain / Westcliff University) added the other goal for the Poets, finding the back of the cage in the second period. Whittier generated 24 total shots in the match, continuing to stay aggressive despite facing a nationally ranked opponent.

Defensively, the Poets came up with five steals, including multi-steal performances from Fernandez and Giana Diaz (La Puente, Calif. / Los Altos), while Aubrie Kirkby Tatro (San Luis Obispo, Calif. / Arroyo Grande) totaled eight saves in goal against a high-volume Cal Lutheran attack.

Whittier also showed fight in transition, winning the sprint battle 3-1 and staying active throughout a physical contest that featured a combined 23 exclusions.

Head Coach Preslav Djippov and the Poets move to 5-18 overall and 4-5 in SCIAC play. Whittier will return to Lillian Slade Aquatics Center on Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. to face the No. 4 ranked Chapman Panthers in another conference matchup.

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