PASADENA, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2021) - Caltech women's soccer demonstrably outplayed SCIAC rival Whittier College but came up on the unlucky side of a 1-0 final score in Pasadena on Saturday morning.

As Head Coach Ellery Gould and her staff spoke to the team after the match, she complemented them on well they had competed, specifically mentioning how cruel sports can be when you outplay an opponent and still not net a goal or positive result, as well as the positive takeaways that can be gleaned moving forward.

The Beavers were clearly the dominant side, outshooting Whittier by a 9-3 margin in the second half alone and 19-8 for the game.

"The team played so hard," Gould said. "We got huge production from the entire group today. Our combination play in the midfield was superior and the amount of intention we played with was as strong as we have seen this season."

While several Beaver players had strong matches, no one came up larger than freshman midfielder Mia Gallo (Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Highlands Ranch), who celebrated her 19th birthday on Saturday. Applauded by her teammates in the post-match team meeting, her dominance in the air and controlling play in the midfield was a huge bright spot that the team will build off of over the final week of the season.

Conceding an early goal in the fourth minute, the Beavers found themselves needing to overcome an early deficit - a familiar challenge that they have faced throughout the SCIAC schedule. With a focus on marking tightly, possessing the ball and building up the attack, the Beavers methodically took control of the match and looked to equalize after halftime.

"The organization on the field and the team members talking was the best of the year," Gould said. "We were very organized. That final touch and final piece is going to come. We simply need to continue to put pressure on our opponents and get a little grittier in the finishing third."

Further bright spots included the play of freshman defender Georgia Maleug (Miami, Fla. / Palmer Trinity School). In addition to marking well, she had several overlapping runs that led to chances for the Beavers to tie the match. The defensive back line played exceedingly well in the second half, only allowing three shots by Whittier and just one on target.

The Beavers seek their first SCIAC win of the year when they lace up their cleats at home on Friday, Oct. 29 against the University of Redlands at 2:00 pm.