WHITTIER, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2025) – The Whittier College women's basketball team turned in a composed, complete performance Wednesday night at Dave Jacobs Court, holding Chapman to its lowest scoring total of conference play in a 58–48 SCIAC victory. The win marked another step forward for the Poets as they continued to build momentum in conference play.

Whittier stayed patient early before finding its rhythm in the middle quarters, using strong execution on both ends to take control of the game. The Poets outscored Chapman in each of the final three periods and closed the night with a steady fourth quarter, converting free throws and limiting second chances to secure the home win.

Brooklyn Giles (Fairfield, Calif. / Early College High School / California State University, Los Angeles) anchored the effort with her fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The performance marked Giles' second straight double-double, as she continued to provide a consistent presence on the glass and inside the paint.

Kennedy Perkins (Tehachapi, Calif. / Tehachapi) led Whittier in scoring with 13 points while adding nine rebounds and three assists, staying aggressive throughout the night. Xochitl Hood (Whittier, Calif. / Troy / Fullerton College) followed with 12 points and five rebounds, providing steady offensive support, while Shushan Krikorian (McLean, Va. / McLean / Glendale College) chipped in nine points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds to help Whittier control the boards.

The Poets also received strong contributions across the lineup, including efficient shooting from Lanakila Nitta (Honolulu, Hawaii / Kamehameha), who finished a perfect 2-for-2 from the field, and steady playmaking from Jadyn Patterson (San Jose, Calif. / Valley Christian / California State University, Stanislaus), who added four assists. As a team, Whittier limited Chapman to just 30 percent shooting from the field and kept the Panthers off balance throughout the evening.

Whittier improves to 10–10 overall and 5–7 in SCIAC play. Head Coach Kristen Dowling and the Poets will head back on the road Saturday, February 7, traveling to Claremont, Calif. for a conference matchup against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 4 p.m.

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