CLAREMONT, CA: Pomona-Pitzer snapped a three game skid in historic fashion, beating Caltech 18-3 and Chaffey 22-5 in a Wednesday doubleheader at Haldeman Pool.
The matinee game saw the Sagehens (10-13, 2-3 SCIAC) use a 2nd quarter offensive explosion to take firm control of the game from the Beavers (7-14, 0-5 SCIAC), scoring six goals en route to an 8-2 lead at half. Pomona-Pitzer dominated the last 16 minutes of the game as well as four second-half goals from Phillip Clayman and three by James Baker helped lead the Sagehens to their then-best offensive output of the season with a final soccer of 18-3. Clayman led the way with five goals while Baker netted four on the game. In all, eight different Sagehens found their way into the back of the cage against Caltech. Daniel Diemer's 10 saves helped lead Pomona-Pitzer to its least goals allowed (3) since November 5, 2011 when the Sagehens defeated Cal Lutheran 8-2 as part of a Saturday doubleheader.
Taking a 2 hour break between games, the Sagehens would not lose any momentum as they would only need 48 second to take a 2-0 lead over the Panthers en route to a 22-5 win. Sparked by another big 2nd quarter that saw the Hens score 6 goals to take a 13-4 lead at half, Pomona-Pitzer would close out the last 24 minutes on a 15-2 run to produce their highest single-game goals total in over 15 years. The combined 41 goals in back-to-back games is also the highest amount for a Sagehen squad over the past twenty years as well. Phillip Clayman compiled one of his best performances of the season, needing only three quarters to net a game-high six goals for the Hens. James Baker and Adam Ward both tallied three goals while Nic Lanker, Timmy Hardman, and Michael Schuur added two goals apiece.
"I think we did a great job of just coming out and taking care of business today" said interim head coach Alex La. "Our offensive output definitely is something that first catches your eye but I was really impressed with our discipline on defense in both matches. These were the type of games we needed to get back into the flow of things and prepare for this final stretch of the season."
Pomona-Pitzer will be back in action on Saturday as they take the trip down Bonita Ave to face off against La Verne at 10am. Updates on live coverage of the game will be provided on the Pomona-Pitzer Athletics Website later this week.
