WHITTIER, CA — Despite a strong start, the University of La Verne's women's basketball team fell to their SCIAC rival, the Whittier College Poets on Saturday at Dave Jacobs Court, 67-56.
The Leopards began the first quarter up 13-4 but failed to hold the lead again once the Poets gained momentum. The Leopards trailed by just three at halftime but couldn't close the gap in the final 20 minutes.
La Verne guards
Christen Ziska and
Jasmine Prajitno scored over half of the Leopards' points, with Ziska scoring 19 and Prajitno adding 12. Forward
Alyssa Smith grabbed 10 rebounds, handed out five assists, and added three steals.
Annie Trinh finished with six points and six rebounds.
Marissa Howell scored eight points with, four rebounds and three assists.
Whittier was powered by guard Rhe Nae Leach, who scored 24 points, and forward Lorita Salloom, who contributed 12 points. Both players achieved double-doubles, with Leach securing 14 rebounds and Salloom snagging 13.
With the loss, La Verne is 0-5 in conference play, 4-9 overall. Whittier improved to 4-0 in conference play, 10-2 overall, and first in the SCIAC standings.
The Leopards will return to action next Wednesday to face the California Lutheran University Regals at Gilbert Arena at 7 p.m.
