Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College women's basketball team ended their 13 game losing skid Thursday night as they hit the 100 point plateau in a 100-72 victory over Caltech.

This marks the second time a Whittier College women's basketball team has hit the 100 point mark since 2005-06 with the first coming in 2008 in a 103-52 victory over Pacific Union.

In their largest offensive output of the season, Whittier saw five players record double figures led by senior forward Danielle Hays (San Diego, Calif.) who tossed in a career high 22 points on 7-8 shooting and eight boards, while freshman Carly Buechler (Greenwood Village, CO) finished with a career high 18 points on 6-12 shooting along with five boards and three steals.

Whittier built a large lead in the first half due to a strong defensive stance forcing 14 turnovers, which turned into 22 points.  The score was 10-2 in favor of the Purple & Gold before the Beavers crept back into the contest pulling within two 16-14 with 11:20 to play before intermission

The lead turned into doubled digits for the Poets courtesy of an 18-4 run grabbing a 34-18 advantage and a 17 point lead but again Caltech fought back with a furious run to end the half scoring 10 of the final 12 points to pull within nine at intermission.

Opening up the second half Whittier connected on eight of their first nine field goals to extend their lead to 63-42 and never looked back shooting 67.7% in the half spoiling any Caltech comeback.  Shooting 56% from the field and an 81% clip from the charity stripe, Whittier controlled every facet of the game en route to the lopsided victory getting their first win on the season.

Along with Buechler off the bench, freshman Priscilla Rodriguez (East Los Angeles, Calif.) chipped in with 13 points along with three steals and four assists.  Dannika Navales-Lugtu (San Francisco, Calif.) broke out for her best performance of the season finishing with her first double double of the season with 12 points and 10 assists. 

Ashley Genie (Whittier, Calif.) led the post players with a double double as well with 10 points and 11 boards, while Danielle Quinones (Marin County, Calif.) and Erica Houston (Stockton, Calif.) chipped in with eight points apiece.

On Caltech's side, Grace Leishman finished with her second consecutive 22 point performance going 11-17 from the field, while Stephanie Wong tossed in 23 points, which included five three pointers. 

Whittier remains on the road tomorrow, Saturday, January 18 as they travel to take on La Verne beginning at 7:00pm.