COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Leopards took the early 1-0 lead on the road against NAIA No. 17 Vanguard, but couldn't hold on, falling to the Lions 3-1 in their season opener Friday afternoon.
Sienna Kendricks got the Leopards out to a quick start, hitting a sacrifice fly to right center in the top of the first, bringing in Carly Condon for the 1-0 lead.
But that would be all the runs the Leopards could generate.
The Lions evened the game the following inning off an infield single with runners at second and third and took the lead in the third inning off a Kaitlin Estes single to left.
La Verne's next best scoring opportunity came in the top of the fourth when Mikayla Mendoza reached third after a fly out to left field, but that was as far as she would get.
Angelica DeAngelo, Katheryn Navarro, Shelby Tevis, Michelle Deguzman, and Tauney Mack each recorded a hit.
Elisa Ponce went five innings in her start recording a strikeout. Jiana Rojo pitched an inning of relief.
La Verne played the Lions in an exhibition following its opener, falling 7-0.
Next Game: The Leopards play their home opener tomorrow against the Whitworth Pirates in a doubleheader beginning at noon.
