REDLANDS, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2026) – Whittier Women's Basketball closed out the 2025-26 season Saturday night with a hard-fought 78-67 road contest at Redlands, delivering a performance that reflected both the team's resilience and the promising foundation being built for the future.
The Poets came out sharp, shooting 56 percent in the opening quarter to take a 22-20 lead and set the tone early. Whittier stayed locked in throughout a competitive matchup that featured seven ties and six lead changes, continuing to answer runs and keeping the pressure on the Bulldogs deep into the second half.
Senior Brooklyn Giles (Fairfield, Calif. / Early College High School / California State University, Los Angeles) capped her collegiate career in impressive fashion, tying her career-high with 16 points while securing her sixth double-double of the season with 12 rebounds. Giles' presence inside remained a steady force, anchoring the Poets on both ends in her final appearance.
Fellow senior Jadyn Patterson (San Jose, Calif. / Valley Christian / California State University, Stanislaus) turned in one of her most balanced performances of the year, finishing with eight points, seven rebounds, five assists, and just one turnover across 35 composed minutes. Her control and leadership were evident as she helped guide Whittier through multiple momentum swings.
Shushan Krikorian (McLean, Va. / McLean / Glendale College) continued her strong late-season run, leading the Poets with 17 points to mark her fourth straight game with 12 or more. Kennedy Perkins (Tehachapi, Calif. / Tehachapi) added 15 points and three steals in another strong two-way showing, while Xochitl Hood (Whittier, Calif. / Troy / Fullerton College) contributed eight points and five rebounds in the starting lineup.
Whittier shot 43.9 percent from the field and nearly 79 percent from the free-throw line, continuing the efficient offensive play that has defined the team's growth down the stretch.
The Poets conclude the season at 10-13 overall and 5-10 in SCIAC play, but Saturday's effort once again demonstrated the competitiveness and development that will carry into next year. With a solid returning core and valuable experience gained throughout the season, the foundation remains strong as Whittier turns its focus toward 2026-27.
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