LA VERNE, CA — The Unversity of La Verne women's soccer team opened the 2019 season at home with a nonconference match against the visiting San Diego Christian Hawks. 

The Hawks found the back of the net in the fourth minute and La Verne couldn't recover, dropping the match 2-1. 

Natalya Romaine gave San Diego Christian the early lead, playing a through ball and beating La Verne keeper Hanien Samara one-on-one for the early advantage.

The Leopards capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity early in the second half. Vanessa Plascensia connected on her attempt and evened the game 1-1.  

But the Hawks' Devon Molina scored the what proved to be the difference-maker in the 65th minute.

Samara finished the game with three saves.

The Hawks took advantage of more offensive opportunities, taking nine corner kicks to the Leopards zero.

Next Game

The Leopards return to the field on Sunday with an 11 a.m. home game against UC Santa Cruz.