WHITTIER, Calif. — Cassidy Schweiger scored her first two goals as a Leopard, JJ Weaver punched in her league-leading seventh and the University of La Verne women's soccer team cruised to a 3-0 win at Whittier on Wednesday night.

How it happened: La Verne controlled much of the game, finishing with a 23-7 edge in shots including a whopping 17-4 advantage in the second half.

Schweiger got the Leopards started early when she scored off a pass from Maribel Duran in the 5^th minute.

Goalkeeper Delanie Pacheco got a rare assist on Weaver's goal in the 29^th minute. Whittier had been playing a high back line and the senior saw an opportunity. She took a long goal kick that was mis-cleared which released Weaver into a one-on-one situation against Whittier goalie Caitlyn Schrepfer. Weaver then easily beat Schrapfer to put the Leopards up, 2-0.

Even with a two-goal lead in hand, the Leopards were relentless in attack and looked to get forward at every opportunity in the second half. In the 82^nd minute, Schweiger netted the dagger goal when she finished off a Weaver cross into top right corner.

Players of the game: Schweiger, who has been a stalwart in the middle of the pitch for La Verne, broke through with two goals.

Weaver is now tied for the league lead in goals scored (7) and total points (16). The senior has already surpassed her goals output through her first three years (4) at La Verne.

From head coach Lauryn Pehanich:

On Cassidy Schweiger's big game: "Cassidy has been an integral part of our midfield. She's kept possession of the really well for us. I've been expressing the need for her to get into the final third with more urgency. She's very good at slotting the balls through and I've been asking her, 'After we slot the ball forward, can we transition forward and get more numbers up in the box?' She did that extremely well tonight."

On facing Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday: "Pomona-Pitzer is a very good side. But what we are concentrating on is us getting better the second time around. We weren't at our best in the first half of SCIAC play and we're very thankful that we get to play everybody twice. With this momentum of the win, we are going to do a much better job in the second round."

What it means: It was a much needed win. The Leopards improve to 5-6-0 overall and 3-4 in SCIAC play and stays within striking distance for a coveted top-four spot. Fourth place Redlands is a game ahead at 4-3.

Up next: The Leopards host second-place Pomona-Pitzer (5-1-1 SCIAC) on Saturday night at 7 p.m.