Leopard Defense And Bench Steps Up In 63-32 Victory

The Univerity of La Verne women's basketball team finally snapped a four-game losing skid with a 63-32 road victory over Caltech in SCIAC action Thursday night at the Braun Athletic Center in Pasadena.

La Verne's defense dominated the court, tallying 22 steals on their way to forcing 30 turnovers. They also held the Beavers to 27.1% (13-of-48) on the night, while shooting 37.5% (26-of-64) from the field themselves.

Caltech was the first team to put points on the board, but after the first bucket, the Leopards took over, holding the Beavers to just 10 more points in the first half. Tedra Clark scored six points with two three pointers, giving the Leopards a 29-12 advantage at the break.

The Beavers were able increased their shooting efficiency, hitting 30.4% (7-of-23) from the field in the second period and hit 50% (6-of-12) from the free throw line. But Devon Michaels posted 8 points to lead the Leopard bench on their way to a 63-32 win.

Guard Stephanie Shepard led the Leopards with 11 points while pulling down 6 rebounds. Michaels and Teresa Fatai scored 10 each on a combined 11-of-15 (73.3%) shooting. Theresa Juarez led the Beavers with a 12-point 10-rebound double double. Krissy Dahl added 11 pionts while recording 8 rebounds.

La Verne will start the second round of SCIAC competition with a road game against the University of Redlands. The Bulldogs were able to top the Leopards at home in a 62-54 final earlier in January. Tip off for Saturday's contest is 5 pm.