PORTLAND, OR. (Nov 11, 2023)- The Whittier College women's basketball team opened up their season Saturday against Lewis and Clark. The Poets came out hot in the first half and carried it over in the second to a 67-51 dominating victory. 

The women began this game and some familiar faces were on the court looking to make a difference. Rhe Nae Leach (Riverside, Calif., John W. North HS) and Lainie James (La Habra, Calif., Sonora HS), two of Whittier's dominating forces from last year, came out and scored 11 of the 13 total points in this first quarter. Despite this good start from the Poets the Pioneers were not going away and at the end of the first, Whittier held a 13-12 lead.

As the second quarter began Lewis and Clark were able to jump out in front of Whittier, at one point holding an 18-15 lead. This is when the Poets really turned it up. Transfer, LuLu Salloom, was anxious to showcase her skills and proceeded to go on a 7-0 run of her own to put the Poets back up 22-18. James, Leach, and Salloom continued to put the pressure on the Pioneers in this second quarter and going into the half the Poets had a 29-21 lead. 

In the second half the Poets continued to play excellent defense, limiting the good looks from Lewis and Clark. But it was their offense that really came out to show, especially in the third quarter. The star trio for the Poets led the offensive in a physical attack. Whittier was able to put up 21 points this quarter on the back of 10 made free throws. 

The final quarter was another high scoring one. It was once again the trio that led the team, but a great overall team effort helped drive the Poets to a 67-51 victory. 

Salloom made a massive impact for the Purple and Gold in her debut, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, a block and a steal. Leach was up to her old trick coming away with 15 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, a block and a steal. James also got into her bag of tricks finishing with 20 points and 7 rebounds on an efficient 7-11 from the field. Whittier will continue their trip up in Oregon with a matchup against Willamette University tomorrow.