The Webster University women’s basketball started off its West Coast swing in fine fashion, defeating Whittier College, 55-47, on December 29. Freshman guard Kaliann Rikard (Cuba HS, MO), filling in for Maggie Zehner (SO, Oakville HS), helped spark the Gorloks to victory.

Rikard had a game-high 19 points, shooting four for four from the field and 10 of 13 from the free throw line. Katy Meyer (SR, Parkway Central HS) chipped in with 12 points, and Tori Fenemor (SO, St. Charles HS) cleaned the boards for a team-high 12 rebounds.  Head coach Jordan Olufson said it was a typical game after coming off an 11-day break, with “very low scoring, while getting the rust off.”

In addition to Zehner, the Gorloks were without senior guard Barissa Ford (Clayton HS), who was injured in the game vs. Washington University on December 18.  At the time of her injury, Ford was the team’s second leading scorer and was second in steals.

Webster is 6-4 overall on the season. Whittier, who had been on a four-game win streak, drops to 4-5. The team will be back in action on December 30 vs. the Pomona College (CA) Sagehens. The Gorloks will travel to Blackburn College (IL) on January 4 before returning home to take on Principia College (IL) on January 6.