WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2025) – The Whittier College women's basketball team continued its strong start to the 2025–26 season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Life Pacific 51–38 at Dave Jacobs Court. The Poets' trademark defensive pressure, a hallmark of Head Coach Kristen Dowling's system, set the tone from the opening tip, as Whittier limited the Warriors to just 11 first-half points and 23 percent shooting overall.

Shushan Krikorian (McLean, Va. / McLean / Concordia University Irvine / Glendale College) led the Poets with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, while Brooklyn Giles (Fairfield, Calif. / Early College High School / Napa Valley College / Cal State Los Angeles) anchored the paint with 10 points and seven rebounds. KK Guy (Morro Bay, Calif. / Mission College Preparatory Catholic) added eight points off the bench, and Xochitl Hood (Whittier, Calif. / Troy / Fullerton College) pulled down seven boards to help Whittier control the glass.

The Poets forced 15 turnovers and held Life Pacific to just four made three-pointers across the entire contest. Whittier's depth also shined, as junior transfer Bella Blum (Manhattan Beach, Calif. / Mira Costa / El Camino College) made her Purple & Gold debut, adding two points in limited minutes.

Coach Dowling and the Poets will look to stay unbeaten when they host George Fox University on Saturday, November 22, at 4 p.m. inside Dave Jacobs Court.

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