Edison Graduates at the Next Level

News Release Date:

Monday, December 14

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- After collecting 14 points and 13 rebounds to spark a Whitman College comeback victory over Eastern Oregon University, first-year point guard Kelly Peterson has been named Northwest Conference Student Athlete of the Week for women’s basketball.

Pressed into starting duty in recent weeks due to a rash of injuries, Peterson has been up to the challenge.

Kelly Peterson

Against Eastern Oregon last Saturday in Sherwood Center, Peterson made four of eight shots from the floor and five of seven free throws to lead all scorers with 14 points.

Her game-high 13 rebounds included seven at the offensive end. She also contributed three assists (against one turnover) and three steals.

The 5-foot-8 Peterson made a number of key plays in the closing minutes with the game on the line. She canned a 3-pointer from the top of the key with three minutes left to extend the Missionary lead to 53-49.

Mary Madden

Earlier last week, Peterson had six points, four rebounds and three assists (no turnovers) in a one-sided Whitman victory over Walla Walla University.

A graduate of Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., Peterson is averaging 7.5 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds through her first eight college games.

Mary Madden, one of Peterson’s high school teammates, is also in her first season at Whitman. Madden, who is averaging 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, had 13 points and seven boards in the Eastern Oregon victory.

Despite injuries that have claimed three starters and a key reserve, Whitman has won four straight games to raise its early season record to 5-3.

The Missionaries travel to Lewiston, Idaho, this Friday to play NAIA-powerhouse Lewis-Clark State.

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CONTACT: Dave Holden

Sports Information Director

Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.

509 527-5902; holden@whitman.edu