LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne played their SCIAC conference opener Friday afternoon against the Redlands Bulldogs in the first of a three-game series.

The Leopards controlled most of the game and took a 3-1 lead into the seventh. But the Bulldogs got hot in the top half of the inning and scored seven runs to spoil the Leopards' conference opener.

Anthony Salcedo continued his hot start to the season with a 2-3 performance at the plate, two RBIs, and a walk. He also made a spectacular acrobatic play in the first inning, making a cartwheeling stop on a hard shot to the right side before throwing the runner out at first.

Shortstop Ryan Vosika added two hits and a run in his three at-bats.

La Verne took the lead in the second after Josh Givens doubled down the left-field line to bring in Nathan Perry for a 1-0 lead. Salcedo hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Nolan Anguiano later in the inning to extend the lead.

In the sixth, Salcedo singled in Vosika to put La Verne back up by two, 3-1.

La Verne played six different pitchers in the game. Niko Urquidi was most effective, facing 17 batters and striking out four in four innings of relief.

The Leopards continue conference play at Redlands in a doubleheader Sunday, March 3rd at 11 and 2 p.m.