by Cesar Rivas

POMONA, Calif. - The University of La Verne aimed for a second consecutive win this weekend, but faced a resolute Pomona Pitzer Sagehen defense that thwarted the effort.

1st Quarter
It was a lightning strike out of the gate for the Leopards! Oscar Montenegro sent shockwaves on Merritt Field as he scooped up the ball and raced 47 yards for a defensive touchdown. In just 20 seconds, ULV snagged the lead, and Max Jimenez's PAT sealed a 7-0 start to the game.

But Pomona quickly struck back when they embarked on a 76-yard journey, capping it with a touchdown pass from their quarterback, Ethan Gretzinger, to Sander Wimmer. The quarter ended tied at 7-7.

2nd Quarter
In the second quarter, ULV showcased some defensive brilliance when Pomona Pitzer attempted a trick play. The Sagehens dialed up a speed option pass, but ULV's defense saw through it, resulting in a sack. The Pomona Pitzer offense lined up with a quick-kick punt by QB Gretzinger on 4th down. The ball landed in the ULV endzone for a touchback, giving ULV the ball back on their own 20 yard line. The ULV offense worked to get something going before the half, but couldn't get enough momentum going.

Later in the quarter, Pomona Pitzer, starting at their own 41-yard line, got into a groove. Sagehen QB Gretzinger found Wimmer for a long gain. ULV's defense, however, faced a setback with a late-hit penalty, moving the Sagehens  to the redzone. Two snaps later, Gretzinger connected with WR Matthias Olson for a 17-yard touchdown. Sagehen's PK Cameron Shirangi made the PAT, giving Pomona a 7-14 lead.

After the ULV offense was held to minimal yardage, the Leopards punted while being backed up. The ensuing short punt provided Pomona Pitzer starting field position on La Verne's 36-yard line. The Sagehens attempted a touchdown formation, but ULV's defense clamped down and forced them to settle for a field goal to make it 7-17, Pomona.

Halftime Score: Pomona Pitzer 17, ULV 7

3rd Quarter
The third quarter started with Pomona Pitzer only able to add 3 more to the board while facing a stingy Leopard defense, pushing their lead to 7-20.

Later in the quarter the Sagehen QB orchestrated another play that resulted in a touchdown and a PAT for a 7-27 score.

4th Quarter

As the fourth quarter began, Pomona Pitzer put together an additional multiple play drive that finished in a touchdown. The scoreboard read 7-34. But it wasn't all one-way traffic. The Leopard defense secured a late-game fumble recovery to hold off any more scoring by the Sagehens.

And the story of the night was not just touchdowns and tackles; it was also about the yellow flags. ULV faced 11 penalties for 92 yards in contrast to Pomona Pitzer's 4 penalties for 25 yards.

ULV Statistical Leaders of the game:
Passing: Nick Garcia, 14-21 for 134 yards
Rushing: Treyvion Davies, 10 attempts for 20 yards
Defensively: Aidan Clinton & Chase Yanez, 7 tackles a piece

Up next for the Leopards is a showdown with the Bulldogs of the University of Redlands at home in La Verne, set for a 1pm kickoff Saturday September 30^th at Ortmayer Stadium.