La Verne, CA - The University of La Verne softball team hosted Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a doubleheader. The Leopards have hosted three non-conference series within the past week, this being the final, and will head back into conference play this weekend.

In the first game of the doubleheader, the Leopards allowed two runs to be scored early. La Verne made a run in the middle innings and earned crucial scores to secure a two-run lead. The Leopards had 11 hits vs. the Engineers' 8. La Verne would force two key errors and close their first win by a score of 6-4.

The Leopards would have excellent all-around hitting today, bringing in scores by the middle of the lineup. Marissa Acosta and Isabella Garcia would go .500 for the day, getting two hits in four attempts. Rachel Rubio added a win to her record, throwing 99 pitches, 66 being strikes.

For game two of the series, the Leopards would find themselves looking to answer runs scored by the Engineers. The Engineers would have a very good offensive night; however, the Leopards would make the necessary stops in the final innings, holding WPI to a scoreless final four innings. The Leopards would score four runs late to sweep their doubleheader by a score of 9-5.

Erika Garcia led the Leopards on the plate, going 2-3 at her at-bats. Marissa Acosta would also go 2-4 at the plate. The Leopards forced WPI to make three errors. La Verne played three pitchers tonight; Jaiden Alvarez and Rachel Rubio would come in later innings to secure the Leopard's win, bringing in zero runs in the last four innings.

The Leopards will head back into conference play, hosting Pomona Pitzer for a doubleheader Saturday, March 18th, at 12 and 2 PM.

(Photo By Joseph Ceniceros)