Ashley Paul notched her 1,000th career point as she helped propel the University of La Verne to a 61-52 victory over the Whittier College in the SCIAC opener Saturday at Frantz Athletic Court.
The Leopard bench proved critical in producing 38 points while also collecting 12 second-chance points compared to just 3 for the Poets.
La Verne (4-7, 1-0 SCIAC) went ahead for good midway through the first half, leading by as many as eight points on its way to a 33-27 advantage at intermission. The Leos led the entire second half but were pushed by Whittier (6-6, 0-1 SCIAC) throughout. The Leopards were able to hold back every challenge by the Poets, eventually pulling away in the final three minutes. La Verne's defense held Whittier to a single field goal in the last 3:02 of regulation.
Both teams struggled from the field as the Poets hit 32.1% of their shots compared to 29.8% for the Leos. La Verne held a 46-39 rebounding edge while making 19 of 25 free throw attempts. The Poets were 8-15 from the free throw line.
A senior from Glendora, Paul came into the night needing just nine points to achieve history. She hit a free throw with 13:37 left in regulation to become the seventh player in Leopard history to reach the 1,000-point milestone. She finished her night with 16 points, connecting on three 3-point field goals while making 5 of 6 free throws.
Amanda Copas registered a team-high 18 points, finishing 2-4 from three-point range while connecting on 8 of her 11 free throw attempts. Nicole Wandler led La Verne in rebounding with 8 boards while Paul and Copas each recorded 6 rebounds.
Whittier's Kourtney Zilbert posted a double-double of 10 points along with a game-high 17 rebounds while Monica Salazar connected on four three-pointers on her way to a game-high 19 points in the loss.
La Verne will hit the road in its next conference game to face Occidental on Thursday night in Eagle Rock. Tip off is 7:30 pm.
