ORANGE, CA. (Feb. 10, 2024)- Head coach Roy Dow and the women hit the road Saturday to take on the Chapman Panthers in a SCIAC matchup. The Poets were led by double-doubles by Lulu Salloom (Santa Clarita, Calif., Saugus, College of the Canyons) and Rhe Nae Leach (Riverside, Calif., John W. North), but unfortunately the Panthers offense was too much and Whittier lost by a final of 70-61. 

Both teams started off going back and forth with one another, as neither team was able to establish a solid advantage in the first. As the buzzer sounded to end the first Chapman was leading 14-12. Starting the second quarter, the women continued to battle out on the court and this game was making out to be a tight battle. At halftime the Panthers had a 27-26 lead, but there had already been 10 lead changes. 

Coming out in the second half, the girls of both teams brought more intensity on the offensive end. In the third quarter the Poets had 4 different Poets score baskets, as they were finally able to get their offense into some rhythm. Despite this excellent performance on offense this quarter, Chapman also was finding their way to the basket. 

Entering the final period of play, Chapman still had a 2 point lead over Whittier. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers found a way to get open shots and quickly extended their advantage over the Poets. This advantage proved to be too much, as Whittier did not have a final push in them and eventually would be topped by Chapman by a final score of 70-61. 

The Poets trio put up good numbers in this game, with Lainie James (La Habra, Calif., Sonora, Concordia University Irvine) leading the charge with 17. Salloom and Leach continued their excellent play with double-doubles. Salloom finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals and a block; while Leach had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Whittier will look to get back in the win column this Wednesday as they play host to Cal Lutheran. With only 2 regular season games remaining, the Poets will have to finish strong and fight for their playoff spot. This game will tip off at 7:00.