September 6, 2008

Women's Soccer Hosts Principia on Opening Day

Whittier College Women's Soccer got its 2008 season under way against Principia College on September 6. The Poets showed staggering improvements from their 2007 campaign, but still fell 3-0 to the visiting Panthers.

"We showed that we have the talent to build on and make this program a force in the future," said second-year head Coach Nicole Gervais. "We have some work to do, but I am very excited about the progress we've made and will continue to make as we move forward." Gervais brought in 15 new faces for the 2008 season in her rebuilding efforts.

Against Principia, the College at which Gervais is a Hall of Famer from her time as a soccer player there, the Poets allowed all three goals in a ten-minute span in the first half. Panthers' midfielder, Eva Post scored back-to-back goals in the 16^th and 20^th minutes followed by a goal from Elizabeth Post in the 26^th minute to provide all the offense in the game.

The Poets got a strong performance from freshman goalkeeper Lea Betsworth who made eleven saves in her Whittier College debut. She faced 20 shots, 14 of which were on goal.

Offensively, the Poets struggled with just three shots. Their next game is on the road at La Sierra University on September 10. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.