Poets split on Day 2 of Claremont Convergence

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Whittier College men's water polo team split on Day 2 of the Claremont Convergence as they lost game one to UC Irvine 21-4 but rebounding back to beat George Washington 9-8 in sudden death.

For the seventh time this season the Poets have taken on an NAIA opponent running their record to 3-4 against these teams.  For the season Whittier is now 7-9.    

Game 1 (UC Irvine – L 21-4)

Coming off two strong wins over Vanguard University and Penn St. Behrend on Day 1 of the Claremont Convergence, Whittier had their hands full right from the beginning on Day 2 as they fell to the Anteaters of UC Irvine 21-4. 

In the first quarter, Erick Gonzalez got the Purple and Gold on the scoreboard first with an early goal in the first two minutes of the game and then in the second quarter the Poets came out to score three more from Gonzales, Wes Paulson, and Chet Schuster that gave them four goals going into the half. 

Coming out of the break, the Anteater defense picked up and didn't allow another Poet goal in the last two quarters helping UC Irvine preserve the victory.  For the game Chad Evenrud had 10 saves.   

Game 2 (George Washington – W 9-8)

In probably the game of the tournament the Poets took on George Washington and it came down to the wire as it ended in the Purple and Gold's favor in sudden death 9-8.

In the second round of sudden death, Erick Bonander scored the game winner off of a counter attack to seal the victory for the Poets.

The win was a group effort though as the Poets found the back of the goal eight other times from Keary Schlactus who had three goals, Kyle Catino, John Adams, Carlos Panfilo, Gonzales, and Schuster.

Whittier returns to the pool as they open up SCIAC play aginst the Stags of Claremont-M-S who they lost to in the SCIAC Championship Game.  This game will be played next Saturday, October 15 at CMS beginning at 11:00am.