BRUNSWICK, ME (Nov. 17, 2023)- The Poets began their cross-country trip Friday night as they took on the University of Southern Maine Huskies. After a slow start in the first, the Poets controlled the remainder of the game on the heels of 4 girls scoring in double digits. Whittier put on full display their cohesive offense and juggernaut defense in a 53-34 domination of the Huskies. 

In the first, Whittier got off to a good start, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. Southern Maine though continued to fight in this first and would eventually tie the game up. 4 different Poets were able to score in this first period, but it was the Huskies who had a 14-11 lead over the Poets as the horn sounded to end the quarter. 

As the second began, Whittier came out and showed what they are really made of.  Down 15-16, Citlalli Gurrola (San Diego, Calif., Mount Miguel HS, UNLV) knocked down a 3 to put the Poets up 18-16; from that point on Whittier would never trail again in this game. Gurrola poured in 6 points for the Poets this period and her knock down shooting allowed them to take a 25-20 point lead into halftime. 

The third period was truly a special one for the Poets, as they were able to take complete control of this game. The girls were good on the offensive end scoring 17 points, but on the opposite side of the court they played excellent defense allowing 2 total points to the Huskies. Gurrola continued her excellent scoring night adding on another 6 points, but it was Lainie James (La Habra, Calif., Sonora HS) who really stepped up this period coming away with 7 points. 

With a 20 point lead going into the 4th, Whittier was now rolling. The Poets continued to play fantastic on both sides of the court outscoring the Huskies once again and battling their way to 5 steals. As the horn sounded to end the game Whittier had captured a 53-34 victory. 

Rhe Nae Leach (Riverside, Calif., John W. North HS) once again was a standout performer for Whittier on both ends of the court, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. James and Gurrola both contributed nicely on the offensive side with 12 points each. LuLu Salloom also recorded her second double-double of the year coming away with 10 points and 13 rebounds, to go along with her 4 steals. Whittier will look to carry this great play over today, as they take on Bowdoin College at 3:30.