Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern

La Verne, CA - Two fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Leopards could not surmount a large Claremont-Mudd-Scripps lead, forcing a 41-13 La Verne loss in the SCIAC opener on Saturday.

Sophomore quarterback Andre Maldonado closed out the Leopards' final drive with his first touchdown of the season, a floater into the corner of the endzone to sophomore Davonte Johnson. Johnson, hailing from Delaware, recorded his first collegiate touchdown with the catch.

Senior quarterback Miguel Aguero Jr. started the scoring for the Leopards with a 14-yard touchdown pass to senior Ethan Medeiros early in the fourth quarter. The scoring connection was the duos' second of the season.

Junior Jonathon Torres and sophomore Makena Ramos-Kamaka each caught four passes, setting a new La Verne high for both players. Ramos-Kamaka picked up 41 total yards, while Torres collected 37. Medeiros was the Leopards' leading receiver with 50 yards on six catches.

Despite allowing 41 points, the La Verne defense had shining moments. A blocked field goal in the fourth quarter brought the crowd at Ortmayer Stadium to a roar, courtesy of junior Tyler Le. Le also accounted for one of the Leopards' two sacks.

With their overall record at 0-4, the Leopards travel to Pomona-Pitzer in aim of their first win next Saturday evening, October 8th at 7:00 pm.