LA VERNE, CA —  The Leopards did not quit. The University of La Verne women's soccer team erased a 2-0 deficit with less than 11 minutes remaining to beat NAIA Life Pacific University 3-2 Wednesday night. 

Serenity De la Torre put the finishing touches on the comeback when she drilled a penalty shot in the 88th minute, scoring her second goal of the half and securing the win for the Leopards. 

Kayla Allen took a hard foul in the box to draw the penalty. After a brief delay, De la Torre set up for the difference-making opportunity and unleashed a shot to the back of the net.

The goal came just over a minute after Antonia Escobar scored the equalizer. Ana Preciado delivered a perfect pass from midfield to Escobar who gathered the ball with just the keeper to beat. She sent a shot to the left side of the net past the outstretched arms of the goalie to even the game

La Verne had to dig themselves out of a 2-0 hole after the Warriors struck early. Edith Mendoza took a hard shot from midfield that the Leopards couldn't handle to give Life Pacific a 1-0 lead just over three minutes into the game.

Life Pacific doubled their lead midway through the half when Mercedes Sibrian intercepted a La Verne pass at the top of the box and drilled a shot to the top left corner of the goal.

The Leopards peppered the Warriors with attacks throughout the match, firing off 30 shots to the Warriors' five. La Verne controlled possession for 69 percent of the game. 

The relentless attack finally paid off with just over 10 minutes left. Kayla Allen set up for a free kick and perfectly placed a pass into the box. De la Torre deflected the ball toward the goal with her body, just under Life Pacific goalie Madison Moris for the first half of her brace.

La Verne had quality chances throughout the match that just missed. Kristen Smick rattled off four shots including a near miss five minutes into the second half that went off the left post.

The Leopards nearly evened the game just minutes later when Megan Llopis blocked a clear attempt by Moris. Llopis sprinted after the loose ball to try to tap it in but Moris narrowly beat her out, diving on the ball to protect the lead.

The Leopards continued to flirt with the Warriors' goal in the second half. Preciado launched a shot from the corner that went over the hands of the keeper but hit the crossbar. The ball rolled to Jordan Moody but the follow-up attempt was saved.

The win pushes La Verne's record to 1-1-1.

Next Game

The Leopards return to action this Saturday when they host Stanton University at 7 p.m.