Photo by Shane Rodrigues

Story by Joe Perrino, Sports Information Graduate Assistant

CLAREMONT, CA – The University of La Verne women's soccer team collected their first win of the season Saturday night over the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas 2-0, backed by impressive showings from sophomore Reagan Appleby and the Leopard defense.

This win marked La Verne's first of the season, while conversely was the Athenas' first loss of the season.

The Leopards got started early. In the 28th minute of the game, freshman Shelbie Mueller set up Appleby for her first goal of the day and second on the season. Appleby wasn't done. 

In the second half, 59th minute, sophomore Brianna Wong found Appleby for yet another goal. This score pushed the Leopard lead to 2-0 and which was the eventual final score.

The La Verne offense has been on an upward trend since beginning the season and Saturday it finally showed. In the first two games of the season, the Leos only fired off eight shots on goal. However in games against Caltech and Whittier, La Verne collected 13 and eight shots on goal respectively, but they weren't finding the back of the net.

Out of the Leos' 10 shots Saturday night, seven were on goal and two were goals. Appleby's two goals put her at three on the season which accounts for all of La Verne's scores on the year.

Another bright spot Saturday night was the Leopard defense. Freshman keeper McKenzie Maggiore saved all eight of the Athena's shots on goal attempts. The defense also blocked five shot attempts and caused three errant shots.

Next Game

The Leopards will look to continue their dominance Wednesday when they host the No. 12 Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens at 7 p.m.