ORANGE, CA — The University of La Verne started a comeback in the seventh and gave the defending NCAA Champions and current No. 1 Chapman Panthers a scare.

But the surge wasn't enough to overcome a four-run deficit as the Leopards fell 4-2.

Patrick Keller and Aaron Fong both finished with a pair of hits. Tanner Siffert recorded the lone RBi for the Leopards.

Trailing 4-0 with bases loaded and one out in the top seventh, Siffert reached on a fielder's choice that brought in Fong. The Leopards caught a break after a failed pickoff attempt sent Brandon Shiota across the plate. But that was as much offense as La Verne could generate.

Chapman got out to a lead early thanks to a three-run second inning off four hits. Brad Shimbabuku led the Panthers with a pair of RBIs and hits.

Jaylon Fong struck out two batters in his start. Nick Garcia picked up the win for Chapman.

Next Game

The Leopards host Chapman in their SCIAC home opener tomorrow in a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.