LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne Leopards played tough defense and had an early 14-7 first quarter lead. But the Leopards couldn't find the end zone in the final three quarters in a 30–14 loss to first-place Chapman University on Saturday afternoon at Ortmayer Stadium.

Despite facing one of the SCIAC's top offenses, the Leopard defense set the tone early and continued to battle for four quarters. Senior defensive lineman Marlin Brown ignited the crowd just minutes into the game, scooping up a fumble and returning it 30 yards for a touchdown, giving La Verne an early 7–0 lead. The Leopards forced three turnovers on the day, including interceptions by Tuhlon Duncan and Justin Mondini.

The Leopards' defense has recorded a pick in five of the last six games. It is the second time La Verne has finished with more than one interception this season, and the fourth time it has forced multiple turnovers in a game.

La Verne's defense was relentless against the run and disciplined in coverage, recording four tackles for loss and holding Chapman to just two passing first downs the entire game. Jomar Brown led his squad with two tackles for a loss and forced the fumble that led to the early scoop and score.

Chase Yanez led all defenders with 12 total tackles to go with one breakup, while Jeremiah Naylor and Jonathan Scott each added seven stops in the trenches. Linebacker D'Artangion Martin also contributed eight tackles, helping to clog up the middle and contain Chapman's ground attack.

The Leopards consistently pressured Chapman's quarterbacks, registering four quarterback hurries and limiting them to 67 passing yards. Defensive back Mondini broke up a key third-down pass to stall a drive in the second quarter, and Brown's fumble return touchdown provided one of La Verne's defensive highlights of the season.

Mondini leads the Leopards and ranks third in the SCIAC with three interceptions. La Verne played stubborn defense deep in their own territory. Mondini's pick came at the three-yard line, and Duncan recorded his first career interception in the end zone.

When the Panthers took over on La Verne's 23-yard line early in the second quarter, the Leopards' defense gave up zero yards, and Chapman came away with zero points after a missed field goal.

Chapman played tough defense of their own, returning a pick-six on the Leopards' first offensive play of the game.

La Verne had trouble finding a rhythm after early success. Tyler McCown recorded the Leopards' only offensive score of the game when he scampered off the right side for a six-yard score. McCown finished the game with 96 rushing yards and 121 all-purpose yards.

Julian Martinez led the receiving corps with 41 receiving yards on four catches.

The Leopards will look to build on their defensive momentum as they close out the season next week at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. The Leopards took the Stags to overtime in their matchup earlier this season.