THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Valentine's Day basketball at the Gilbert Arena today featured pink programs, socks, shoelaces, headbands and more as the Cal Lutheran women's basketball team hosted its annual Play4Kay game to promote breast cancer awareness. Once action began on the court in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown between CLU and Whittier, the Regals put a pink explanation point on the day with an 88-58 victory to sweep the season series against the Poets.
Although tip-off was delayed Cal Lutheran was not deterred in what quickly turned into a fast-paced and physical contest as the teams combined for 48 fouls and 146 points. Overall, CLU scored 60 points in the paint and turned 23 Whittier turnovers into 25 points. Additionally, the Regals posted 14 fast break points against the Poets.
After exchanging baskets early with five ties and one lead change, Haley Hodgson came off the bench to break a 10-10 tie on a layup before earning a steal that led to a three-point from Jessica Salottolo on back-to-back possessions to provide the home team a lead that the group would not relinquish for the remainder of the day. Cal Lutheran took a comfortable 41-28 advantage into the locker rooms after shooting 58.1 percent from the floor as a unit in the first 20 minutes.
After the break, Chelsea Jacoby layed in the first attempt of the half on a pass from Natalie Stone the Regals cruised through the final period as the team produced its highest offensive output of the season with 88 points after shooting 57.6 percent from the floor.
Hodgson had a career day with a game-high 12 rebounds, adding 11 points for a double-double, and Jacoby led all players with 21 points. Both Stone and Sofia Cruz finished with six assists and Jacoby added four. Salottolo recorded a pair of blocks and also led the Regals with three steals.
Whittier (9-12, 5-8 SCIAC) was led by Amia Thrash with a 17-point, eight rebound game, which were both team highs.
Cal Lutheran (16-6, 11-2) has a quick turnaround, hosting Chapman on Monday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. inside of the friendly confines of the Gilbert Arena.
Box Score: CLU 88, WC 58
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