WALLA WALLA, Wash. - (From Whitman Sports Information) The University of La Verne ran its season record to 6-2 with a 67-56 victory over Whitworth College in Friday's opening game of the WHIT Classic II women's basketball tournament.

The four-team tournament, which continues through Saturday, is taking place in Sherwood Center on the Whitman College campus.

Treneca Jones, a 5-foot-9 sophomore forward, led the way for La Verne, combining 29 points with 14 rebounds for her seventh double-double in eight games this season. Marissa Raya and Lindsey Shiomi both had 15 points for La Verne. Emily Carillo snared 11 rebounds for the Leopards.

The loss dropped Whitworth's season record to 7-3. Alida Bower paced the Pirates with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists. Natalie Orrell added 12 points for Whitworth, while Susan McDaniel chipped in with 11 points and 12 boards.

La Verne led 31-27 at halftime and stretched its lead to nine points early in the second half. Whitworth rallied to within one point at 50-49 with 6:52 remaining, but the Leopards pulled away down the stretch.

The tournament resumes Saturday with Whitworth and Wisconsin Lutheran playing at 2 p.m. in Sherwood Center. Whitman and La Verne play the tournament finale at 4 p.m.