Whittier College Women's Basketball and first-year Head Coach Brad Durchslag got their first win of the season in convincing fashion, disposing of visiting Pacific union College 103-52 on November 23.  It is the second highest point total in Whittier College History, behind the 118 points scored against Life Bible College in the 1999-2000 season.

The Poet offense torched the nets from the opening tip.  Whittier gradually built their lead in the first ten minutes, and with a 33-19 lead at the seven-minute mark, went on a 16-2 run that extended the lead to 25 points.  They shot 50 percent from the field in the opening frame on their way to a 54-29 lead at the halftime break.

It continued in the second half, with the Poets up by 41 points with ten minutes remaining in the game.  The largest lead of the game was 54 points with one minute left.  Every Poet on the roster scored as they went on to the 103-52 victory.  Whittier executed on both ends of the floor, shooting nearly 51 percent from the field in the game while holding the Pioneers to just 31 percent shooting.  Of the 42 field goals made by the Poets, only two were from beyond the three-point line.  The Poets also forced 36 turnovers, thanks in large part to 21 steals.

Kourtney Zilbert '11 led all scorers with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting.  She also pitched in with six rebounds, four steals, three assists and two blocked shots.  Tina Merlino '11 recorded a double-double with eleven points and ten rebounds.  Stephanie Anderson '09 also had eleven points.  Monica Salazar '12 reached double digits in her first collegiate game with ten points, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.  Ashley Vierra '10 scored nine points and was credited with four steals.

The Poets are in action again on November 25, when they travel to La Sierra University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm in Riverside, Calif.