Photo by Chris Mora

Story by Sebastián Abdón Ibarra, Sports Information Student Assistant

TACOMA, WA — The University of La Verne football team scored a fourth-quarter touchdown and had a chance to come back late, but the Leopards couldn't make the most of an onside kick recovery and suffered a tough loss on the road to Pacific Lutheran University 22-12 Saturday afternoon.

Running back Able Cueva and wide receiver Spencer Pool were the offensive stars for La Verne. Pool caught 10 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Cueva made a huge contribution to give the Leopards a chance to come back late. He rushed for 79 yards on 15 carries, averaged 5.3 yards per carry, and was a much-needed shot in the arm for the La Verne offense.

Cueva was instrumental in leading La Verne's fourth-quarter touchdown drive that gave the Leopards a chance late. Trailing 22-6 with 9:45 left to play and the ball on their own 34-yard line, the Leopards drove down the field led by Cueva's rushes. The freshman from El Monte capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run to make it a 10-point game. The Leopards went for two to get within a score of the Lutes but were stopped on Miguel Aguero Jr.'s passing attempt.

The Leopards weren't done yet. Week one SCIAC Athlete of the Week Kapena Kamakawiwoole successfully executed an onside kick to give La Verne another opportunity with just over five minutes remaining. La Verne again turned to Cueva and Aguero Jr. but was stopped on downs and Pacific Lutheran was able to hold onto the win.

The Leopards were led defensively by KJ Macatiag and Austin Marin who both picked off quarterback Erik Bainter. Macatiag was all over the field, leading the Leopards with 13 tackles. Marin added seven tackles of his own. 

It was a total team effort by the Leopards' defense to limit the damage by the Pacific Lutheran offense even on drives starting deep inside Leo territory. In the first half, the Lutes had two drives start on the La Verne 27 yard line, but the Leo defense held them to only six points.

Freshman Vitatle Afoa continued to show he has a bright future for the Leopards. The Hawaii native totaled 10 tackles with one for a loss. Mason Montanez was reliable as usual registering eight tackles with linebacker Tyler Le adding seven more.

The box score still does not reflect how vital the performance by La Verne's defense was in the game.

Tyrone Williams Jr. completed 17 of 24 attempts for 143 yards and one score. Nathaniel Sagastume caught eight balls for 58 yards.

Next Game

La Verne opens SCIAC play against Cal Lutheran on Oct. 2 at 7:00 pm. It will be the final away game of the Leos' three-game early-season road trip.