LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verene women's basketball team is the champion of the SCIAC for the second year in a row.
The Leopards claimed back-to-back SCIAC Regular Season Championships after defeating Chapman on Senior Night 91-76. La Verne is co-champions with Cal Lutheran, which finished with an identical 13-3 SCIAC record.
The Leopards enter the SCIAC Postseason Tournament as the No. 2 seed after losing a coin-flip tiebreaker with the Regals, who take the No. 1 seed. La Verne will host No. 3 seed Occidental on Thursday, February 22 at 7 p.m.
The win gives the Leopards their fifth SCIAC Regular season championship and first back-to-back title.
Chiara Brown scored a game-high 23 points in the win, grabbed seven rebounds, dished three assists, blocked two shots, and added two steals.
Marissa Howell drained three three-pointers and totaled 17 points with two steals, one rebound, and one assist.
Reigning SCIAC Defensive Player of the Week, Alyssa Smith finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
Annie Trinh scored a career-high 14 points off three makes from beyond the arc. Cayla Harang and Valentina Limon each scored nine points.
The win was never in doubt for the Leopards after jumping out to a 21-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Leopards started hot, shooting 57 percent during the period.
The Leopards caught fire from range, making 12 of 18 three-point attempts
The Leopards honored its eight seniors in a pregame ceremony: Valentina Limon, Naomi Jackson, Crystal Menjivar, Jennifer Morales, Brianna Torres, Chiara Brown, Aerin Wiggins, and Aatilah Watkins.
