The University of La Verne volleyball team returned to action after a seven-day layoff to sweep past Chapman University by scores of 27-25, 25-19 and 25-17 Tuesday night at the Hutton Center in Orange.

The layoff seemed to adversely effect the Leopards (6-0) at the start as they fell behind the Panthers 12-5 in the first set.  Down 22-17, the nation's third-ranked shook off the rust and finally came to life by outscoring Chapman 10-3 to take a 1-0 set lead.

La Verne's offense took control in the second frame by hitting .311 while holding the home team to a .128 percentage in earning a 25-19 set win.  La Verne closed out the Panthers in set three, limiting their opponent to a .081 hitting clip to pull away and remain unbeaten on the season.

Senior Brianna Gonzales paced the Leopards with a match-high 17 kills along with a .316 hitting percentage.  She added 19 digs to post a double-double in kills and digs.  Junior Crista Jones hit .385 in tallying 12 kills while sophomore Anna Calmer contributed with 10 kills.  Senior setter Yesenia Lopez compiled 39 assists while sophomore Chelsea Sleight totaled a match-high 22 digs.

La Verne resumes action with its 2008 home opener against New York University Friday at Frantz Athletic Court.  Start time is 7 pm.