WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2022) – The Poets fell, 57-45, in their conference opener against the Chapman Panthers, showcasing the smothering defense that earned them the SCIAC Tournament Championship and an NCAA Division III Tournament berth last season.

Whittier jumped out to a 9-0 lead, holding Chapman scoreless for nearly five-and-a-half minutes. In the first quarter, Chapman shot just 2-for-11 from the floor, thanks to Whittier's suffocating defense. Meanwhile, the Poets went 6-for-12 in the opening frame.

The second quarter belonged to the Panthers, who outscored the Poets 16-8 in the period. At halftime, Chapman led by three points.

Despite the fourth quarter beginning with a narrow four-point Poets deficit, Whittier never came any closer to Chapman.

The Panthers' largest lead in the game was 13 points at the 4:17 mark of the fourth quarter, and the final score was decided by 12.

Whittier held its SCIAC foe to 35% from the field and 27.8% from deep, also tallying eight steals and two blocks. The free-throw-attempt disparity was a massive problem for the Poets, as the Panthers attemped 17 more freebies. Also disastrous was the 14-4 offensive rebounding advantage for Chapman.

Sophomore Rhe Nae Leach led Whittier in scoring for the second time on the young season with 12 points, and she recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds. She also added a game-high-tying five assists and two steals. She did, however, turn the ball over five times, the most of anyone in the contest.

Junior transfer Ilani Avila was a bright spot for the Poets in her first action of the season, scoring 10 points, securing six boards, dishing two assists and producing two steals. Avila's speed and ability to attack the hoop for easy lay ups proved invaluable.

Whittier heads to the Pacific Northwest for a three-game road trip, beginning in Tacoma, Wash. Tuesday against Pacific Lutheran University at 7 p.m.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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