LOS ANGELES, CA. (Dec. 2, 2023)- The Lady Poets hit the road today to take on conference Rival Occidental in their second SCIAC game of the year. After dominating Pomona-Pitzer in their conference opener, Whittier came out and continued to put the SCIAC on notice with a 61-50 victory over Occidental. 

As the game tipped off the Tigers were able to get out to an early lead, going on a 6-0 run in the first 4 minutes. Whittier's offense then began to wake up and move the ball well around the court. Lainie James (La Habra, Calif., Sonora HS) showed her maturity out on the court helping get the Poets back on track to the tune of 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in this first period. Despite this late quarter run by Whittier, Occidental ended the first with a 17-11 lead.

The second period was much of the same for Whittier, as they were showing some life on the offensive side of the court but their defense was not playing up to standards. This team has been a juggernaut on the defensive side all season, but were not playing their game yet. Rhe Nae Leach (Riverside, Calif., John W. North HS) also started to come to life this period pouring in 6 points for the Poets. As the teams headed to halftime the Tigers held a 31-22 lead. 

Coming out of the half with a new energy, Whittier started to show their true colors in the third. This period everything came together for the girls. Their defense got back on track with 3 blocks and 2 steals, while only holding the Tigers to 11 total points. But it was Leach and James who put on the real show. The 2 combined for 18 total points this period, shooting 6-9 from the field and 5-7 from the line. This duo wielded the Poets back into this game and as the teams headed to the final period, Occidental now only had a 1 point advantage.

Dominating defense was the identity for the Poets this final period, holding the Tigers to 8 points on 15% from the field and 0% from 3. On the other side of the court, Leach continued her great offensive performance going 7-8 from the free throw line and leading the Poets to a 20 point quarter.

In the end Whittier's 39-19 point second half run was enough to complete the comeback and capture the 61-50 victory over Occidental. Leach led the charge for the Poets, putting up a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. LuLu Salloom was very close to her own double-double, finishing with 9 points and 11 boards. James was the perfect sidekick for Leach this game, as she was able to put up 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists across her 40 minutes of play. 

Coach Roy Doy and the Poets will look to continue this streak of excellent play next Wednesday, as they travel to Claremont to take on the Athenas. This SCIAC showdown will take place at 7:00 PM.