Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

WHITTIER, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2022) – The Whittier College women's basketball team received substantial contributions from its starting five in a game where they dominated from pillar to post against visiting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges.

The statement win comes against an Athenas team that is currently in the mix for a top-four spot in the conference (7-5 SCIAC). The Poets offense clicked throughout all four quarters, and the Athenas were ultimately unable to keep up with the home team's high percentage play. Whittier shot 45.6 percent from the field with three starters shooting plus-50 percent for the game. Led by senior Teani White (Burbank, Calif. / Viewpoint) and junior Lainie James (La Habra, Calif. / Sonora), the Poets' starters actually combined to shoot 52 percent for the game, accounting for the entirety of the Purple & Gold's made field goals. White, who was recognized prior to the game for her 1,000-point milestone, entered the game needing eight rebounds to hit 500 for her career. She would go on to achieve the eight rebounds she needed, joining rarified air as a member of both the 1,000 point and 500 rebound club.

The Whittier defense gave the Athenas fits all game long. Not only did they win the turnover battle, 18-12, but they also accounted for 13 steals, four of which belonged to freshman forward Rhe Nae Leach (Riverside, Calif. / John W. North). Leach has quietly evolved into an all-around force for the Poets down the stretch, combining with White to achieve a 3:1 assist-turnover ratio. She also had 14 points, joining White and leading scorer James (18 points) in double-figures. Junior forward Shaeleigh Wright (Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Millikan) and senior Daisy Cardenas (Santa Clarita, Calif. / Canyon) were both benefactors of White and Leach's generous ways, combining for 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting while continuing to provide a level of defense the Athenas found difficult to contend with. The additional offensive contributions allowed the Poets to open with 16 points, and as usual, the home team got better with each passing quarter, eventually closing out CMS with a 22-point third quarter, though their ability to create offense had a great deal to do with their ability to create havoc on defense. The Poets had some of their best offensive moments in transition, outscoring CMS 14-0 on fastbreak points. With 15-point lead in hand entering the final quarter, Whittier effectively held serve against its SCIAC foe, paving the way for some of its reserve players to accrue some late minutes.

Head Coach Roy Dow and the Poets will look to continue their impressive stretch run when they host Pomona-Pitzer Colleges (8-4 SCIAC) on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

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