WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College women's soccer team could not have asked for a much cleaner start to the new season.
Wittier controlled the match from the start, out shooting Pacific Union 19-8 and putting nine shots on goal. The Poets also held the Pioneers without a corner kick while creating three of their own.
The first breakthrough came in the 20th minute.
Victoria Martinez helped set up Melissa Tenorio, who finished the opening goal of the match to give Whittier a 1-0 lead. The goal was Tenorio's second career goal in a Poets uniform, while Martinez picked up her first career assist in the Purple & Gold.
Just over six minutes later, Whittier struck again.
This time, Vivian Martinez found Aleena Galvan, who scored in the 26th minute to double the Poets' lead. The goal was the first of Galvan's career, and the assist gave Vivian Martinez her first career helper for Whittier.
The two early goals gave the Poets control heading into halftime, and Whittier continued to generate chances throughout the second half.
Logan Bays and Tenorio led the attack with five shots each, while Galvan added three more. Isabela Menes and Danielle Bard each finished with two shots, helping the Poets keep pressure on Pacific Union for most of the afternoon.
Whittier put the match away in the 86th minute.
Annabelle Allison scored the final goal of the day, giving the Poets a 3-0 lead and adding another career first to the season opener. The goal was the first of Allison's collegiate career.
Sofia Lopez handled the clean sheet in goal for Whittier, playing all 90 minutes and making three saves. The shutout was her second in a Poets uniform and helped finish off a strong all-around opener for Whittier.
The Poets also got a full-team effort across the lineup. Mia Cordova, Vivian Martinez, Logan Bays, and Allison each logged at least 70 minutes, while several substitutes helped Whittier maintain its pace throughout the afternoon.
The win gave Whittier a strong start to its six-game season-opening home stand and a balanced first step into the 2026 campaign.
Whittier continues the home stand on Saturday, September 5, against Concordia University. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.
