PASADENA, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2022) – Whittier put a scare in Caltech on the road but ultimately dropped the SCIAC game, 61-54. Watch game highlights HERE.

The back-and-forth contest featured five lead changes and two ties, and the Poets' largest advantage was five points. Whittier led 41-40 after outscoring Caltech 16-8 in the third quarter.

Sophomore Rhe Nae Leach starred for the Poets with a game highs in points (27) and steals (3). She also contributed eight rebounds and a game high-tying two blocks. Leach went 10-for-18 from the floor and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. The two-sports star, who also competes in track and field, already 16 points going into halftime. The Riverside native leads the conference in scoring average (19.0 PPG) and minutes per game (36.0)

Senior Lizzie Scriven had a strong game, making 2-of-4 shots, recording five points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist. Scriven ranks fourth in the SCIAC in steals per game at 2.9, while Leach stands fifth (2.6).

Junior transfer Lalli Gurrola and senior Lainie James each added two steals and made a combined five three-pointers.

Coming off of an injury, freshman center Briana Green made her collegiate debut, grabbing four rebounds in 27 minutes.

Whittier's next game is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Decembr 14 at Redlands.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!