LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne did everything right as it beat Chapman, 3-0, on Wednesday night at Ortmayer Stadium.
What it means: La Verne improves to 4-6-1 in SCIAC play and stays in the hunt for a spot in the SCIAC Postseason Tournament. The Leopards are in sixth place, but still have games left against fourth-place Occidental (6-4-1 SCIAC) and fifth-place Redlands (5-4-2 SCIAC).
How it happened: La Verne got good goalkeeper play, played stingy defense and were quick transition.
Maribel Duran opened the scoring in the 20th minute with her third goal of the season. Alexa Smith beat a defender down the left wing, crossed one towards the far post and Duran was there to knock it in past Chapman goalie Kristin Kleinow.
The Leopards had a chance to double to lead less than 10 minutes later when Smith was able to sneak behind the Chapman back line and drew a penalty as Emmy Hoskins brought her down from behind. But Kleinow was able to get her hands on the ensuing spot kick by JJ Weaver to keep the score at 1-0.
The Leopards kept the command of play in the second half.
Cassidy Schweiger added an insurance goal in the 64th minute. After a La Verne corner kick from the right side was deflected away, Smith collected the ball on the wing, sent it into the box and Schweiger volleyed it in.
Megan Hodgson then tacked on one more for La Verne in the 84th minute for her first goal of the season. Weaver found Hodgson with a pocket of space on the left side and the sophomore took one step and launched into the far post.
Players of the game: Alexa Smith was a threat on the wings all night long. She started the game on the left side and created at least three dangerous moments—including her assist on Duran's goal—using her track speed. The sophomore started the second half on the right flank and found Schweiger for her second assist of the night.
La Verne goalkeeper Delanie Pacheco notched her fifth shutout of the season. The Leopard defense mostly kept the Panthers at bay, but the senior answered when called upon, making a couple of fingertip saves to keep Chapman off the board.
Duran's goal was her second game-winner of the season. The first came on Oct. 1 in a 1-0 win over Oxy.
Up next: La Verne returns to action against Oxy on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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