WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2022) – Whittier's strong defense limited La Verne to 31.1% from the floor and 18.6% from three but still fell to the Leopards at home Wednesday, 66-52. The Poets' defensive highlights from the game can be viewed HERE.

Sophomore Rhe Nae Leach had another monster game, scoring 26 points, half of the Poets' total. She got to the free-throw line at will, making 10-of-16 freebies. The guard also contributed a game-high 13 rebounds and was a defensive force, recording three blocks and two steals. The double-double marked Leach's second of the young season. Her 17.7 scoring average currently ranks second in the conference.

Senior Lizzie Scriven had an efficient performance, making 2-of-3 shots with four rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Portland, Ore. native ranks third in the SCIAC in steals per game at 3.0.

Senior Natalia Williams' five points were a career high, and junior transfer Melanie Meza's seven points mark her most in a Poets uniform.

Freshman Courtney Chen, who also competes for the Whittier College women's soccer team, made her college basketball debut Wednesday, logging six minutes.

Whittier hits the road with its next contest coming Saturday 2 p.m. at Caltech.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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