LA VERNE – The University of La Verne golf team took to the course for the first time this season and edged Chapman to top the SCIAC Preview round at the Sierra La Verne Country Club on Monday.

La Verne and Chapman both shot 293, but the Leos won by virtue of the fifth man Kelby Scharmann's score.

"Our depth was a big part of our success today with contributing scores all over our lineup," La Verne head coach Chris Davis said.

Returning All-West Region and First Team All-SCIAC Keven Holliday led the way for the Leopards on the scoreboard, finishing with an even-par 72. Andre Bedard was right behind at 73.

Although Chapman's Bryan Wise was the lowest scorer of the day at an impressive 5-under 67, La Verne's depth put it over the top.

Freshman Alec Spencer was stellar in his debut at 2-over 74 and Trent Twamley also carded a 74. And Scharmann's 77 was enough to beat out Chapman's fifth man Gio Chiappano, who shot a 79.

"I like what I've seen so far and we have a lot of positives to build off," Davis added. "I'm equally excited to see the individual players' scores today, with six scores at 74 or better. We were very competitive from top to bottom."

Paul Gomez rounded out La Verne's scoring with a 79.

And Jessica Serrano officially completed the first round for the La Verne women's golf.

"Jessica showed a lot of heart with her first ever collegiate round," Davis added.

The Leopards return to action Feb. 15-16 at the SCIAC #1 Tournament at the Sierra Lakes Golf Cub.

"All of our players have a few things to improve on to get ready for the first official conference event this weekend so we will get after it tomorrow."