WHITTIER, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2026) – The Whittier College women's water polo team honored its seniors on Saturday afternoon at Lillian Slade Aquatics Center, facing off against No. 4 Chapman in a SCIAC matchup.

Despite the final result, the day belonged to seniors Alexandra Haluska (Brea, Calif. / Brea Olinda) and Paula Fernandez (Barcelona, Spain), who have been cornerstones of the Poets' attack throughout their careers.

Chapman struck early, building a first-quarter lead, but Whittier answered with a pair of goals from its senior leaders. Madison Mathewson (Hayward, Calif. / Moreau Catholic) opened the scoring for the Poets on an exclusion opportunity before Haluska converted on a penalty shot to cut into the deficit.

Haluska continued to lead the offensive charge, finishing with a team-high two goals while adding another in the third period to account for multiple scoring contributions on her Senior Day. Fernandez added an assist and was active throughout, helping facilitate the Poets' offensive opportunities.

Defensively, goalkeeper Aubrie Kirkby Tatro (San Luis Obispo, Calif. / Arroyo Grande) delivered another strong performance in the cage, recording 11 saves to mark her ninth game this season with double-digit stops. Mathewson contributed on both ends with a goal and two steals, while Whittier totaled three steals as a team against one of the top-ranked programs in the nation.

While Chapman extended its lead in the second half, the Poets continued to compete throughout, earning exclusions and creating scoring chances against a nationally ranked opponent.

Head Coach Preslav Djippov and the Poets move to 5-20 overall and 4-7 in SCIAC play. Whittier will close out the regular season on the road Wednesday, April 8, traveling to Pasadena to face the Caltech Beavers at 7 p.m.

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