WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2024) – Fueled by a big-time performance from senior forward
Lorita Salloom (Santa Clarita, Calif. / Saugus / College of the Canyons), the Whittier College women's basketball team got back in the win column with a 67-57 victory over Whitworth University on Sunday afternoon.
While she had seen less shooting volume in previous games as she has a little more than a year into her Whittier career, Salloom found her shot on Sunday, particularly in the second half against the Pirates. Nine of her 17 points came during that time frame, with back-to-back jumpers in the third quarter contributing to the Poets increasing their lead to 14 points heading into the decisive frame. However, while Salloom was able to deliver as an offensive contributor, she protected the rim better than any player on the floor as well, with a game-high 15 rebounds to complete a 15-and-15 day.
Salloom was not the only Poet to double-double, however. Senior guard
Rhe Nae Leach led all players with 23 points and reached 10 rebounds towards the end of the game for her third double-double of the season. Leach's hot start to the season has not been limited to the offensive side of the game, either, as she also picked up her fourth game in five tries with at least three steals, putting her among the SCIAC leaders part way through the season.
An additional 12 team rebounds saw a more experienced Poets squad dominate the glass and create more offensive opportunities. However, the free throw line also continued to be a valuable resource for Whittier offense as well with the Poets attempting 19 more free throws than the Pirates while themselves converting on 19-of-26 attempts. Much like Trinity University (Texas) earlier in the week, Whitworth tried to mount its comeback from the perimeter, but this time the Poets were ready, and held the Pirates to 17 manageable points in the final quarter to secure the win.
Other Whittier contributors included senior forward
Faith Boulanger (Burbank, Calif. / John Burroughs / Glendale CC | Cal State San Bernardino), who scored six points to go with seven rebounds, while sophomore teammates
Yaneli Rosales (San Diego, Calif. / Mount Miguel) reversed her with seven points and six rebounds. Senior guard
Tiah Sherman (Gardena, Calif. / Narbonne / Rio Hondo College) also showed herself to be a capable perimeter asset with five assists, three of which came on Whittier three-pointers.
Head Coach
Kristen Dowling and the Poets will have an extended break before returning to Dave Jacobs Court to host Nelson University (Arizona) on Wednesday, Dec. 4 for a 7 p.m. game.
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