LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne softball team's season only began 13 days ago, but tomorrow's SCIAC Softball Postseason Tournament opener has been long-awaited.
The 2020 squad was 11-5 when the season was abruptly halted to due COVID-19 and the 2019 squad missed the tournament after making the cut the previous four seasons. The drought ends tomorrow when the Leopards head to Chapman for a 2 p.m. matchup with the Panthers.
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The Leopards enter the tournament as the No. 3 seed after posting a 3-3 overall SCIAC record. Chapman heads into the postseason as the No. 2 seed with an 8-11 overall record 8-7 conference mark. No. 1 Redlands (11-5, 11-2 SCIAC) hosts No. 4 (2-13, 2-13 overall) at noon in the other opener.
The SCIAC Postseason Tournament is a double-elimination format. Games 1 and 2 are played on the campus of the No.1 and No. 2 seeds. The tournament semifinals and final will be played on the campus of top-seeded Redlands.
The Leopards are led at the plate by reigning SCIAC Softball Hitter of the Week Marissa Acosta. The sophomore leads the squad with 12 hits to go with a .571 batting average, eight RBIs, and eight runs. Another offensive threat is junior transfer Linda Gherir. The newcomer leads La Verne with a .579 batting average, 11 hits, eight runs, 5 stolen bases, and 5 RBIs.
Leading the Leopards in the circle will be freshman Jocelyn Robertson. The ace has carried the load, pitching 34 of 37 innings with three wins and 12 strikeouts. Robertson has also does more than her share offensively, totaling eight RBIs off eight hits and two home runs.
Although some preselected and preregistered spectators will be allowed to attend, the tournament is not open to the general public. All games will be live streamed.
Watch Live Download the SCIAC TV App2 p.m. tomorrow @ULVSOFTBALL heads to Chapman for @theSCIAC Postseason Tournament#d3sb #ncaad3 #GoLeos pic.twitter.com/8FV5WQ9Owv
— La Verne Leopards (@ULVAthletics) May 14, 2021
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