By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Whitney Anderson (So., G, Willamina, OR) joined the Willamette University women's basketball team last season after earning First Team All-State honors at Willamina High School. She played in 12 games with one start for the Bearcats in 2014-15.

This year, she has started all 19 games for Willamette and has averaged 28.7 minutes of playing time per game. She is averaging 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. She ranks third on the team with 22 three-point baskets. She has shot 38.6% from 3-point range.

Her statistics are all up from a year ago, when she averaged 2.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists while competing for about 12 minutes per game.

"It has been great watching Whitney find her place with the team this year," Willamette Head Coach Peg Swadener said. "She has always been a consistent defender and shooter for us, but as the season has progressed, she has really helped us with her ability to rebound and effectively taking her defender off the bounce. She's such a steady player and her confidence on the court has really helped make the team better."

Recently, her stats have taken an even bigger boost. She has scored in double figures in three consecutive games, including a career-high 19 points in Willamette's 64-57 victory at Lewis & Clark on Feb. 23. She has reached double digits in scoring six times this season.

In addition, she tied a career high with seven rebounds against Lewis & Clark, and then grabbed another seven boards in a 64-61 win over Pacific Lutheran University on Jan. 29. She also hauled down seven rebounds against Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) on Nov. 28.

She has contributed two or more 3-pointers in seven games this year. She hit 4 of 5 three-point shots against California Institute of Technology on Dec. 18.

Anderson's continuing develop has expanded her role as a passer. She has supplied the Bearcats with 2.9 assists per game in NWC action, including five against Pacific University in Willamette's most recent game on Jan. 30.

The Bearcats are significantly improved this season as well. Willamette is 12-7 overall and is averaging 63.4 points per game. Opponents are scoring just 57.9 points per game. The Bearcats are shooting 42.9% from the field, while hitting 36.6% on 3-pointers and earning a +3.7 rebounding margin per contest.

In the NCAA Division III national statistical rankings, the Bearcats are 10th in 3-point percentage, 19th in 3-pointers made per game (7.5) and 25th in total 3-pointers made this season (143).

Willamette will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 5, when they are scheduled to take on archrival Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. (PST). Willamette will host University of Puget Sound at Cone Field House on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.