MONTEREY PARK, Calif. — The University of La Verne women's basketball team led Bethesda for three quarters but could not hold off the Flames' fourth quarter rally in an 85-72 loss on Sunday at East Los Angeles College.

La Verne falls to 0-2 while Bethesda improves to 4-2.

After an Erika Pagkalinawan jumper gave the Leopards a 65-60 lead with just under seven minutes left in the game, the Flames finished off the game on a 25-7 run.

Turnovers and free throws proved the difference. The Leopards committed eight turnovers in the fourth quarter that led to 10 Bethesda points and the Flames attempted 13 free throws in the quarter. The Flames made the most of the opportunity, making 11 of them, and their last nine points of the game came at the charity stripe.

La Verne took started the second quarter on an 11-1 run to take its largest lead of the game midway through the second quarter. But the Flames responded immediately with a 9-0 run of their own to keep within striking distance.

The Leopards rode hot shooting and good passing to take control of the game early. La Verne shot 45.6 percent from the field and assisted 22 of 31 made baskets.

Emily Myers led La Verne's attack with 14 points and freshman Noelle Cobb was right behind with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Pagkalinawan finished with nine points, four rebounds and six assists. Diana Pena as 10 points in 14 minutes off the bench.

Aunjanay Chambers had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Bethesda.

La Verne returns to action on Tuesday against Puget Sound in its home opener. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.