LA VERNE, Calif. — Noelle Cobb scored 14 points and Alena Koay had 12 for the La Verne women's basketball team, but the Leopards could not overcome a slow start in a 67-47 loss to NAIA UC Merced on Friday at Sports Science and Athletic Pavilion.
La Verne falls to 0-6. UC Merced improves to 3-6.
The Leopards scored just 14 points as a team in the first half and trailed 38-14 at halftime as they struggled to contend with the Bobcats' size on both ends of the court.
La Verne made the necessary adjustments at the break as it forced 14 turnovers on defense in the second half and Koay used her quickness against the bigger UC Merced forwards to score all 12 points in the half. But the Leopards need a huge run to make it a game and couldn't string enough points together. Cobb and Koay combined for nine points during a 11-0 run early in the third quarter to get the Leopards within 42-25, but that was as close as it would get.
Cobb recorded nine rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists to go along with her 14 points. Koay snatched six steals, grabbed five rebounds and had two blocked shots.
Aubrey Hayes scored 13 points and collected seven rebounds to lead the Bobcats. Courtney Danna tallied eight points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
The Leopards go right back on the road tomorrow to face La Sierra at 8 p.m.
