Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Valentine's Day basketball at the Gilbert Arena today featured pink programs, socks, shoelaces, headbands and more as the Whittier College women's basketball team took on Cal Lutheran University in a Play4Kay game to promote breast cancer awareness. Once action began on the court in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown between CLU and Whittier, the Regals put a pink explanation point on the day with an 88-58 victory to sweep the season series against the Poets.

Although tip-off was delayed the game turned quickly into a fast-paced and physical contest as the teams combined for 48 fouls and 146 points. Overall, CLU scored 60 points in the paint and turned 23 Whittier turnovers into 25 points. 

The Poets and Regals exchanged baskets early with five ties and one lead change.  Following a 10-10 tie, Haley Hodgson and Jessica Salottolo would knock down consecutive three pointers that gave CLU a lead they would they not relinquish.  The Poets trailed 41-28 at the break and saw Cal Lutheran expand their lead to 30 with 1:10 to play.

Amia Thrash (Eastvale, Calif.) led the offensive unit with 17 points on 5-of-7, while Ana Youngblood (Berkeley, Calif.) and Erica Houston (Stockton, Calif.) collected 11 points each and a combined 15 rebounds.

Hodgson finished with a game-high 12 rebounds, adding 11 points for a double-double, and Chelsea Jacoby led all players with 21 points. Both Natalie Stone and Sofia Cruz finished with six assists and Jacoby added four. Salottolo recorded a pair of blocks and also led the Regals with three steals.

Whittier (9-12, 5-8 SCIAC) prepares to host their Play4Kay Game this Wednesday, February 18 when they host Occidental College beginning at 7:30pm.