The University of La Verne women's basketball squad put up a strong effort against Division II Maryville University but fell short in a 78-72 defeat to the Saints Wednesday night at Frantz Athletic Court.

The Leopards trailed 72-60 with 5:02 remaining before rallying to get within three points in the final minute, as a pair of Emily Carrillo free throws with 1:26 remaining closed the gap to 72-69. The Saints would eventually hold on with six free throws in the final 45 seconds.

La Verne (2-7) led 38-37 at the half and led by as many as six points (43-37) with 19:10 remaining before the Saints countered with a 17-6 run to take a 54-48 advantage over the Leos with 13:01 to play. 

La Verne then reeled off seven straight points, culminating on an Amanda Copas three-pointer to grab its final lead 55-54 at the 10:50 mark.  Maryville (6-6) would reclaim the lead and proceed on a 12-2 run to take a 12-point advantage prior to the Leopards' comeback attempt.

The game included six lead changes and seven ties.  Though the Saints tallied 24 second chance points compared to 8 for La Verne, the Leopards scored 26 points in the paint while the Saints totaled 14.  In addition, the Leos received 28 points off turnovers.

Mayra Duenas led La Verne with 19 points and 7 rebounds followed by Ashley Paul with 17 points.  Paul stands just 12 points away from 1,000 career points.

Katie Childs paced Maryville with a game-high 22 points while Angela Pepowski (13), Abby Duethman (12) and Brittany Fish also scored in double figures.

The Leopards return to the hardwood on Sunday to host UC Santa Cruz at Frantz Athletic Court for a 1:00 pm tip-off.