WHITTIER, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2023) - Whittier fell to Pomona-Pitzer, 64-55, Saturday afternoon in a battle between two of the SCIAC's biggest stars. Watch the Poets' highlights HERE.

Both sophomore Rhe Nae Leach of the Poets and Madison Quan of the Sagehens lived up to the hype. Leach had 19 points (9-for-22 FG), seven rebounds, five assists and one block, with just two turnovers. The Riverside native also turned on her game when it mattered most, scoring nine points (4-6 FG) with two assists in the fourth quarter.

Quan finished with 20 points, 10 assists, five steals and three rebounds.

The game was tied after the opening quarter, 18-18, but Pomona-Pitzer dominated the second frame, capturing a 40-22 halftime lead.

The second half featured a much more recognizable Poet performance, as the team played hard-nosed, intense defense and clawed its way back into the contest. The fourth quarter was especially impressive for Whittier, as it outscored Pomona-Pitzer 21-9.

Guards junior Citlalli Gurrola (4-9 FG, 4-8 3PT) and senior Lizzie Scriven (8 PTS, 3-7 FG, 2-3 3PT, 4 STL, 3 REB, 2 AST) were again bright spots for the Poets, while senior forward Lainie James also made a difference. James made two of her four three-point shots, but she attempted a season-low five field goals and season-low-tying four three-pointers in 35 minutes of action. Last season's Second Team All-SCIAC selection also contributed on the defensive end, recording two steals and two blocks.

The Poets defense limited the Sagehens to 38.3% from the floor and 28.9% from distance. By contrast, Whittier shot 40% from the field and 41.7% (10-24) from three-point range.

Junior wings Kailynn Tuck and Natalia Williams each drained their first deep ball of the season in the loss.

The Poets next take the court Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the Cal Luthern Regals. See you at the GAC (or on the Whittier College Sports Network, if you can't be with us in person)!

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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