Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Whittier College women's basketball team suffered its third loss of the season on Friday evening against the Willamette University Bearcats as they fell 61-49 at Rush Gymnasium.

The Poets (3-3) came out slow in the first half as they shot 22 percent from the field on 7-32 shooting while the Bearcats came out hot shooting 42 percent on 13-31 shooting, which helped the Bearcats take a 31-22 lead into the half.    

The Poets had two players reach double figures on the night, with Tina Merlino leading the way tossing in a double-double of 14 points and twelve boards, while Morgan Sabala put in 12 points and registered seven boards.

The Poets were without the West Region Rookie of the Year Kourtney Zilbert who was unable to attend the game due to academic commitments. 

The Poets came out strong in the second half as they shot 31 percent from the field on 8-26 shooting but the Bearcat offensive attack was to much for the Poets as the Willamette Bearcats outscored the Poets in the second half 30-27 to hold on for the 61-49 win.

The Poets return to action on Friday, December 11 as they take on Southwestern (AZ) at the Graham Athletic Center with tip-off being at 5:00 pm.