WHITTIER, Calif. – Kaiya Mack delivered a season-best performance as Cal Lutheran women's basketball pulled away late to secure a 58-44 road victory over Whittier on Wednesday evening at Dave Jacobs Court, completing the season sweep of the Poets.

The Regals improved to 16-3 overall and 8-2 in SCIAC play, while Whittier dropped to 8-10 (3-7 SCIAC). CLU has now won four straight and sits in second place in the conference standings.

Mack was unstoppable throughout the night, pouring in a game-high 28 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting performance. The junior was perfect from beyond the arc (5-for-5) and lived at the free-throw line late, knocking down 9-of-11 attempts to close out the game. She also added five rebounds, four steals, and three assists while playing 38 minutes.

The opening three quarters were tightly contested, with neither team able to create sustained separation. Whittier held a narrow 9-8 edge after the first quarter, while Cal Lutheran leaned on Mack's perimeter shooting to stay even in the second. Mack knocked down three three-pointers across the opening half as the Regals battled back from multiple deficits, sending the game into halftime tied at 21-21.

The back-and-forth pace continued into the third quarter, as the lead changed hands and the score was tied three times. Mack continued to attack offensively, while CLU received timely finishes inside and key free throws to stay in front. Cal Lutheran carried a slim 36-35 advantage into the final 10 minutes.

The Purple & Gold took full control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Poets 22-9. Alline Ballard opened the period with a layup, followed by another three-pointer from Mack, as the Regals capitalized at the free-throw line down the stretch to pull away.

Janna Holley finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and three steals, while Ballard added six points and seven rebounds. Kaitlyn Brongiel chipped in five points, six rebounds, and three steals, and the Regals forced 24 Whittier turnovers, converting them into 20 points.

Cal Lutheran's defense held Whittier to just nine points in the fourth quarter and limited the Poets to 20 percent shooting from beyond the arc for the game.

The Regals will return home on Saturday, January 31, to host Redlands at 4 p.m. CLU will look to complete another season sweep after earning an 87-78 road win over the Bulldogs earlier this month.