WHITTIER, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2026) – The Whittier College women's basketball team gave a strong, competitive showing Wednesday night at Dave Jacobs Court, staying within striking distance against receiving-votes California Lutheran deep into the game before concluding the evening with a 58–44 SCIAC decision. The matchup highlighted Whittier's defensive effort, poise, and continued individual development against one of the conference's top programs.
Whittier led the pace early, holding Cal Lutheran to single digits in the opening quarter and controlling the tempo through disciplined defense and physical play. The Poets continued to battle throughout the first three quarters, matching energy on both ends and keeping the contest tight heading into the final period.
Xochitl Hood (Whittier, Calif. / Troy / Fullerton College) led the offensive effort with a career-high 17 points, providing a steady presence throughout the night while applying constant pressure defensively. Hood added three steals and remained aggressive on both ends, setting the pace for the Purple & Gold.
Kennedy Perkins (Tehachapi, Calif. / Tehachapi) continued her strong stretch of play, finishing with 11 points and seven rebounds. Over her last four games, Perkins has averaged nearly 17 points and eight rebounds, underscoring her consistency and impact. Brooklyn Giles (Fairfield, Calif. / Early College High School / California State University, Los Angeles) added eight points and seven rebounds, creating quality looks inside and contributing defensively.
Whittier also saw encouraging contributions from its younger players. Freshmen Lanakila Nitta (Honolulu, Hawaii / Kamehameha) and Helen Rosales Beltran (San Diego, Calif. / Lincoln) provided strong defensive minutes, each knocking down a three-pointer and adding assists while helping disrupt passing lanes. Nitta made her third career start, while Jadyn Patterson (San Jose, Calif. / Valley Christian / California State University, Stanislaus) facilitated the offense effectively, recording her third game of the season with five or more assists. Delaney Castagna (Carmel, Calif. / Carmel / Arizona Christian University) added another solid rebounding performance off the bench to help Whittier compete on the glass.
Whittier now stands at 8–10 overall and 3–7 in SCIAC play. Head Coach Kristen Dowling and the Poets will remain home at Dave Jacobs Court on Saturday, January 31, as they host the University of La Verne Leopards with tip-off set for 4 p.m.
Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!
