REDLANDS, CA — The University of La Verne softball team jumped out to an early 5-2 and were just six outs away from advancing to the next round of the SCIAC Postseason Tournament.

But Cal Lutheran rallied late, scoring five runs in the final two innings to beat the Leopards 8-7 Saturday afternoon. The Regals will face the loser of the Redlands-Chapman matchup.

The Leopards end their abbreviated 2021 season 3-5 overall. Cal Lutheran improves to 3-14.

Linda Gherir provided the offensive highlight for La Verne in the top of the second. With the bases juiced the junior stepped up, doubled to left center, and cleared the bases to give La Verne a 3-2 lead. Gherir finished the game with a pair of hits and a run scored.

Marissa Acosta and Jocelyn Robertson both drove in a run to add to the second inning rally, giving La Verne a 5-2 lead heading into the third.

After the Regals cut their deficit to 5-3 in the fourth, the Leopards responded in the top of the fifth when Haylee Hsieh doubled in Mia Pintado and Jaylene Jaloma to give La Verne a commanding 7-3 lead heading into the final two innings.

But Cal Lutheran got hot in the sixth opening with three straight singles to load the bases. A walk brought in one run and the Regals used another single, an error, and a sacrifice fly to tie the game 7-7. A single by Natalie Luna in the seventh gave Cal Lutheran the win.

Jaloma stepped into the circle in the first inning, getting her first action at pitcher this season. The freshman did her part by keeping Cal Lutheran at bay most of the game to give La Verne a shot to win. 

The Leopards will bring back the bulk of their roster next season.