LA VERNE, Calif. — Down by three points, La Verne guard Tiffany Hicks got a clean look at the basket from beyond the arc as time expired.

But the senior's shot just rimmed out and the La Verne women's basketball team lost the SCIAC opener to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 65-62, on Wednesday night at Sports Science and Athletic Pavilion.

The Leopards gave the defending SCIAC champions all they could handle. After a back-and-forth start to the game, the Athenas created the first real separation with an 8-0 run to take a 51-43 lead with just over 11 minutes to go.

But the Leopards never lost composure and slowly chipped away at the lead. Shannon Irwin and Riki Murakami each hit a critical three-pointer to keep the Leopards in it, and Kayla Valentine gave La Verne one last chance with a clutch three from the left wing with 26 seconds to go.

La Verne fouled quickly on the ensuing possession, but did not get a missed free throw it wanted and had to settle for the long jumper at the buzzer.

Despite CMS's second half run, the lead changed hands 12 times and the eight-point lead by the Athenas was the largest of the game.

The Leopards was even with the Athenas most of the night. La Verne pushed the tempo, spread the ball around and was active on defense. Three Leopards hit double figures in scoring and La Verne scored 17 points off 18 turnovers by the Athenas.

Valentine led the Leopards with 14 points while Kayla Chism and Irwin each pitched in 10. Murakami and Emily Myers had nine apiece.

Kimberly Scamman was the difference maker for CMS. Despite going just 3-of-13 from the field, the preseason All-American contributed in other ways and finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

La Verne falls to 1-3 overall. CMS improves to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in SCIAC.

The Leopards will have a quick turnaround and host North Central (Ill.) on Thursday at 7 p.m.