SALEM, OR. – The University of La Verne football team traveled to Salem, Oregon for an early afternoon road contest against Willamette University.

La Verne took control of the game from the start, as they would score on the games opening possession. Kyle Bandy capped a sixty-three yard drive for the Leopards with a thirteen-yard run to put the Leopards on the board. Kicker Kapena Kamakawiwoole knocked in the extra point to give La Verne a 7-0 lead.

After a Willamette score, the Leopards would regain the lead with Bandy scoring his second touchdown of the game on a four-yard run. La Verne would take a 14-7 lead into halftime over Williamette.

The second half would see Williamette cut into La Verne's lead as they would score in the third quarter and cut the lead to 14-13. Penalties late in the third quarter and fourth quarter would lead to Williamette taking advantage and scoring two touchdowns in fourth quarter action. Although moving the ball up the field on different possessions, the Leopards would go scoreless in the second half, falling to Willimatte by a final score of 26-14.

Miguel Aguero Jr. was 19-36 on the day for the Leopards with one interception for 191 yards. Kyle Bandy led the Leopards on the ground with 56 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Ethan Medeiros led the team in receiving with 66 yards. Nicholas Meza led the team with seven tackles and JJ Rider contributed six tackles in the game. Jeremiah Wittmer had one sack for the Leopards.

The Leopards return home for their season opener on September 17th against Pacific Lutheran at Ortmayer Stadium.