LOS ANGELES- The University of La Verne women's basketball team opened its conference schedule with a convincing 81-67 victory over Occidental College Saturday evening. 

The Leopards (4-2, 1-0 SCIAC) jumped out in front early in the first half and never relinquished the lead to the Tigers (5-3, 1-2 SCIAC).  La Verne held a 40-25 advantage at halftime en route to the victory. 

The Leos put five players in double digits led by senior guard/forward Lindsey Foster with 17. Sophomore guard Alysia Trejo had 14, while freshman guard/forward Gaby Moura-Hayes put up 12. Freshman center Brynn Dahmer and senior guard Megan Musashi contributed 10 apiece. Moura-Hayes grabbed seven rebounds while junior point guard Riki Murakami dished out nine eight assists. 

The Leopards shot a sizzling 51.9 percent (28-54) from the field and 45.5 percent (5-11) from behind the arc. They held advantages in rebounds (41-35) and assists (18-11).

La Verne will travel to Thousand Oaks, Calif. Thursday for a SCIAC battle with Cal Lutheran University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.