PASADENA, Calif. –  Whittier used a strong second half en route to a 18-12 win over Caltech in a SCIAC men's water polo match at the Braun Pool.

It was the final home game of the season for the Beavers. In addition, it was the last home contest for Caltech seniors Zack Gomez, Josh Hardenbrook, Thomas Heavey Adam Khan and Daniel Sexton.

The Poets scored the game's first goal when Erik Gonzales found the back of the net 2:06 into the contest. Caltech responded with goals by Khan and Gomez to take a 2-1 lead with 2:56 left in the period. Whittier rallied with goals by Kurt Holzmuller and Robert Leakes to grab a 3-2 edge after the first eight minutes.

First Half Goals -- Zack Gomez from Tommy Kwong, Jack Blackwood, Adam Khan

Whittier scored three of the first four goals of the second stanza in upping their advantage to 6-3 with 3:45 left in the period. An undaunted Beavers squad responded with back-to-back goals on consecutive possessions by Khan to bring their deficit down to 6-5 with 2:08 remaining until halftime. The Poets rallied back and took an 8-6 lead after two periods.

The visitors began to creep away in the third period. Whittier scored five of the next seven goals in the contest to taking a 13-8 lead with one period left. Whittier grew their lead to 16-8 as they took control of the contest and came away with the win.

Khan had a team high five goals for the home squad. Jack Blackwood put three in the back of the net to aid in the Beavers cause.

Gonzales scored a team game high six goals to pace the Poets attack.