By Cyanna Rosa

 LA VERNE, CA- Undefeated in the conference, the University of La Verne women's basketball team sought their sixth conference win of the season. On a 9-game winning streak and standing nice and high in the SCIAC rankings, the women craved that 10-win streak on the court facing the Chapman Panthers at the Tents. 

Leopard Guard Jazzlyn Johnson started off the game with 988 Leopard career points. Today, she was determined to strike 12 points on the scoreboard to reach her monumental 1000-point career. 

Jazzlyn Johnson scored her first beyond the arch later on in the first, but we didn't see her again until after the half when she drained 7 points in the third. Chapman hinted at a challenging matchup for the Leopards, keeping the lead heading into the second quarter, 15-16. The Leopards held great movement at the basket, but couldn't find the texture on the rim to solidify a shooting lead. 

The Leopards' long-range shooters came off the bench to dominate the second quarter. Although Leopard starter Marissa Howell had a scoreless first quarter, Casey Kuramoto joined her in pushing 19 points for the Leopards halftime lead. 

The Leopards learned the Panther's offense quickly to turn around the traction needed to prevent Chapan from scoring on Leo territory.  The Leopards went into halftime 38-33. 

Leopards Marissa Howell and Dejanee Gill stepped up to increase the lead in the third quarter, 55-49. The third quarter was a defensive one for the Leopards with Leopard forward Kendall Stanley, having two beautiful blocks right under the net, frustrating the Panthers and killing Panther momentum for the fourth. 

Jazzlyn Johnson, with two more points to reach the big grand, couldn't find the right footing offensively until the Panthers sent her to the line. With both free throws good, the crowd got on their feet for Johnson's 1000th point. 

Soon after, Marissa Howell would drain a three-pointer, moving her up to 8th on the Leopard all-time three-point list. The Leopards left the night with many victories against Chapman and stay undefeated in conference, 74-59. Coach Pruitt spoke about the victory after the game. "Tonight we got off to a slow start.  We came out too passive and with a lackadaisical attitude.  With a team like Chapman you have to match their energy and enthusiasm.  They just beat the #6 team in the country last week, there are no off days when you play the Panthers.  It's still a long season, we have a lot of work to do.  We have to rebound the basketball, stop fouling so much, and take advantage and control the things that are in our power.  Overall tonight was a good night; Jazz Johnson entered the 1000-point club, Marissa moved up to 8th on the All-Time Three Pointer made list, and our Men's team got a big win.  We are just thankful for being able to play the game that we love."

The Leopards face Caltech for their seventh conference game on Wednesday, January 11th at 7pm PST, here at the Tents.