LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's soccer team hosted Whittier College in their final game of the 2023 season on Wednesday night. The Leopards scored early in the second half to tie the game 1-1 but Whittier added the difference maker to beat La Verne 2-1.

The Leopards honored five seniors Alison Flores, Shelbie Mueller, Amanda Perez, Evelyn Saldivar, and Valerie Vera in a pregame ceremony. 

The Poets struck in the 11th minute to put the Leopards into an early deficit. La Verne had multiple shot attempts in the first half but came up empty. Sophomore midfielder Courtney Okumura scored an amazing equalizer from 40 feet out assisted by Shelby Ghiuzelian.

Later in the 73rd minute In an attempted punch out by goalkeeper Abigail Macedo, the ball ricocheted off of Whittier's Camille Verlich and into the net to put Whittier up 2-1.

The Leopards ended the 2023 season with a 4-8-5 season record and a 2-6-4 conference record.