Poets earn two ACWPC All-Americans

WHITTIER, Calif. - The Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches announced its 2009 NCAA Division III women's water polo All-American teams last week and Whittier was recognized with two honorable mention selections. Freshman Anahisa Aguirre and sophomore Xenia Castillo were honored at goalie and utility, respectively.

Aguirre put together an impressive first year as she recorded 323 saves which is the second most in a single season in WC history. Sara Kisselbach holds the record for saves in a season with 346. The Whittier, Calif., native already ranks fourth all-time in career saves.

Castillo led the Poets all season as she ranked third on the team with 33 goals and 20 assists. She earned a spot on the All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference second-team, led the team with 60 steals and set a new school record with 98 drawn ejections. The previous school record was 75 set in 2006 by Kim Charlson.

Aguirre and Castillo were two of 21 members of the SCIAC to garner a spot on one of the three All-American teams. The conference dominated the first-team as all seven slots went to SCIAC student-athletes. Six of the seven positions on the second-team were from the SCIAC and the remaining eight honorees were honorable mention selections.

Cal Lutheran's Craig Rond and Meredith Butte were named the Coach of the Year and Player of the Year, respectively.