LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne Leopards stayed undefeated after a 3-1 win over the University of Chapman on Tuesday night. The Leopards had stayed the course and remained undefeated after an incredible sixteen games, but the Panthers were determined to make a dent in the Leos spotless record. After a grueling four set match, the Panthers proved unsuccessful and the Leos maintained the title they have so rightfully earned: the best team in the country. 

The first set was even and leveled; the two teams battled back and forth, the point discrepancy never bigger than five points. The right side hitters, Mariah Ray and Lexi Giacobbe, were playing well and made a huge difference in the La Verne offense. La Verne took it in the end, the final score 25-22. 

The second set was equally as tight, but this time the Panthers pulled ahead early and capitalized on that success. The last four points went to Chapman and the set was finished. The bright spots of set two were outside hitters Mya Ray and Lauren Gott, who both had a number of kills. 

As set three got under way, the tension rose. Each team now had a set under their belt and were ready for war. ULV proved to have prepared more and pulled ahead 7-1 in a matter of minutes. La Verne's indisputable offense can be credited, complete with a kill from the libero, Keilani Mumulo. The Panthers tried to come back, but the Leopards ended on top, the last point scored theatrically by Zacky Coaston. 

The pressure was on the Panthers as the fourth set began. With their backs against the wall, they folded. La Verne once again started with an early lead and did not let up. It wasn't until the score was 20-20 that the set two tension returned. The last five points went to the Leopards, with Gott ending the match with three-straight aces. 

Thhe Leopards improved to 17-0 and remain one of two undefeated teams in the country, along with No. 2 East Texas Baptist (21-0). ULV faces Whittier College on Tuesday, October 21st,  at home at 7 p.m.