What could be stronger than a bond formed over four years between six women playing the sport they love? When you play on a team with the same people for a long period of time, they become like a new family. And the senior women on the Whitworth basketball team will testify to that statement.
The first senior Pirate woman is No. 32 Cassie Pilkinton. She originates from Chelan, Wash., and will graduate with a degree in elementary education.
“I have been playing basketball since I was 5 years old,” Pilkinton said. “I have always loved it so much that I never considered the idea of not playing in college.”
The second senior is No. 22 Natalie Orrell from Wenatchee, Wash. Her freshman year she started all 25 games and then went on in her sophomore year to become an Honorable Mention player, All-NWC and second on the team in scoring. Her successes have continued.
“I’ve made great connections with many of my teammates throughout the years and they’ve taught me to never give up and that hard work pays off,” Orrell said.
Kim Bluff, No. 24 from Cusick, Wash., is the third senior. As a junior, Bluff played in all 25 games and this year was fourth on the team in rebounds, free throws and points scored.
Leah Pomante, No. 2, is the Pirate’s fourth senior. Pomante is from Colbert, Wash. This year Pomante was the third leading scorer for the Pirates, second in free throws and team leader in assists and steals.
The fifth Pirate senior is No. 33 Heather Burke from Cheney, Wash. Burke transferred to Whitworth and she will graduate with a degree in psychology.
The final senior is No. 44 Liz Horiatis from Woodinville, Wash. Horiatis transferred to Whitworth from Western Washington University. Her junior year Horiatis started 22 games for the pirates and this year she started all 26 games. She was leader in blocked shots, and had the second highest number of rebounds and points on the team.
Within this team there is a lot of heart and these seniors have worked hard to build it’s success and become leaders to their other teammates and to each other.
Contact Briana Moser at editor@whitworthian.com.
Seniors share a love of the game
Published: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
 "Photo: Jordan Beauchamp/Whitworthian")
Jordan Beauchamp/Whitworthian
Senior basketball players pose during practice last week. From left to right: Heather Burke, Kim Bluff, Cassie Pilkinton, Leah Pomante, Natalie Orrell, and Liz Horiatis
Be the first to comment on this article!