MORAGA, Calif. – The Whittier College men's water polo team tested itself against one of its toughest opponents of the young season Sunday morning.
The Poets battled No. 20 Saint Mary's College on the road at Soda Aquatics Center, falling 20-11 in a non-conference matchup against the Division I Gaels.
Whittier stayed within striking distance early despite Saint Mary's scoring first.
Ivan Cardenas put the Poets on the board before Jason Dickson and Daniel Totev followed with goals of their own. Whittier finished the opening quarter with three goals and entered the second trailing 5-3.
The Gaels created separation in the second quarter, but Tal Fotin found the back of the net to give Whittier another goal before halftime.
The Poets responded with a stronger third period.
Evan Borunda scored twice in the opening three minutes of the quarter, and Louis Hackett added another as Whittier matched Saint Mary's with three goals in the period.
Whittier continued to battle through the fourth, scoring four more times.
Sebastian Cadena opened the Poets' scoring in the period before Dickson, Totev, and Hackett each added goals over the closing minutes.
Totev led Whittier with four points on two goals and two assists. His four points matched his season high, while he also tied his season high in drawn exclusions.
The sophomore was active throughout the morning, leading the Poets with eight shots while also contributing a steal.
Dickson added two goals and an assist, while Borunda finished with two goals and an assist of his own. Hackett also scored twice as Whittier finished with 11 goals against the nationally ranked Gaels.
Mike Hale played all 32 minutes in goal and finished with seven saves.
Despite the result, the matchup gave Whittier an early-season opportunity against ranked Division I competition before returning home.
The Poets return to Lillian Slade Aquatics Center on Friday, September 11, for a non-conference doubleheader. Whittier opens against Mt. San Antonio College at 11 a.m. before facing Long Beach City College at 3 p.m.
Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics).
