Whittier, North Park Win in First Round of Poet Classic, Championship Game January 3 @ 4pm

The first round of the 24th Annual Purple and Gold Poet Classic saw Whittier College and North Park University win convincingly over their opponents on January 2 at Graham Athletics Center.  In the first game, Whittier defeated Life Pacific College 73-28 and North Park beat UMASS-Boston 60-44 in game two.

Whittier jumped out to a big lead early against Life Pacific.  The Poets took a 35-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.  Michelle Mascoto '07 led the Poets in four statistical categories with 11 points, eight rebounds, five steals and four assists.  She was 5-of-7 from the field in 16 minutes of play.  Christina Ledesma '08 also scored 11 points and pulled down five rebounds.

Life Pacific was led by Rebekah Brattrud  who scored 12 points, all from behind the three-point line.  She also grabbed five rebounds.

In the second game of the day, North Park was led to victory by Laura Mount '07 who scored a game-high 16 points and grabbed a game-high eight rebounds.  Also in double figures for the Vikings was Stylianee Damianides '09 with eleven points.  North Park held a 38-28 lead at halftime and held the Beacons to just 16 points in the second half.

Jenn Widener '09 led UMASS-Boston in scoring with eight points.  The Beacons take on Life Pacific in the consolation game while Whittier and North Park face off in the championship game on January 3.  The first game is at 2pm with the championship to follow.