Caltech Women’s Basketball Ties Conference Win Record in Standout Season

The Caltech women’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone in the 2023-24 season, matching their program record with six conference victories. The nine-win season saw a host of statistical feats and individual records, marking the third straight year with eight or more wins and five or more conference wins.

Caltech led the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in steals, averaging 11.32 per game, and ranked second in points allowed at 62.7 per game. Their offensive prowess was evident in their second-place rankings for three-pointers made and turnover margin.

Junior guard-forward Kathryn Edwards emerged as a standout player, earning First Team All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors for the second consecutive year. It was the seventh straight season a Caltech player claimed All-Conference honors and the fifth straight with a First Team selection. Edwards set a program record by averaging 19.0 points per game and led the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in blocks during conference play.

Edwards also ranked second in steals (2.9/g), third in scoring (18.4/g), eighth in rebounding (8.5/g) and ninth in field goal percentage (.420) in conference play. Senior guard Hope Arnett led the conference in steals, averaging 3.6 per game. Arnett, Edwards, Kodie Vondra, and Saumya Chauhan each ranked in the top-15 for 3-pointers made among all conference players.

“Today’s performance was the epitome of Caltech basketball,” said Head Coach Annie Tarakchian after a notable victory over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges. “Our motto this year is together and tough, and we represented that in full force tonight.”

Caltech’s season was marked by several key victories, including a 64-48 win over Pomona-Pitzer Colleges and a 70-58 overtime triumph against Austin College. The team also secured wins against top conference opponents like Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Whittier College.

Edwards reached significant milestones during the season, surpassing 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in just her third year. Her achievements contributed to the team’s overall success and individual recognition.

Senior guard Milan Robinson received Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Athlete of the Week recognition for her outstanding performances. At the end of the academic year, Arnett was honored with the Director’s Award at the 2024 Caltech Student-Athlete Celebration.

Coach Tarakchian expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress throughout the season. “One game better than last year’s conference record, our goal is to continue to get better and better within our program and rep the Caltech name strongly,” she said.

As the team looks ahead to the 2024-25 campaign, they will need to overcome the loss of four graduating seniors. However, with key contributors returning and an impressive incoming class, Caltech aims to build on this season’s success.