LA VERNE, CA - The University of La Verne women's basketball team fell in their SCIAC opener on Wednesday night, dropping an 82–68 decision to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Alyssa Smith continued her strong start to the season tallying 25 points to go along with nine rebounds and two assists. The junior went six for seven from beyond the arc in her 32 minutes of action.

Other key contributors included Kaylee Shimoda and Isabella Gray-Musolff, who combined for 20 points. Sophomore guard Jasmine Prajitno left her mark all over the floor, collecting seven points, five assists, and four rebounds.

The Leopards got off to a slow start in the first quarter, quickly finding themselves down by 14. The second quarter was far more competitive, but La Verne still went into halftime facing a double-digit deficit.

Coach Mason had the Leopards regrouped and energized at halftime, and the shift was immediate. La Verne intensified its play on both ends, outscoring the Athenas 23-18 in the third period. The Leopards trimmed the deficit to just eight with 4:19 remaining, but a string of CMS trips to the free-throw line helped the Athenas pull away late.

The Athenas capitalized on Leopard turnovers, converting 22 points off miscues. La Verne still found bright spots, shooting an impressive 61.1% from beyond the arc and getting key contributions from its bench.

Up next, the Leopards will look to bounce back in an exhibition against Hope International University on Friday, December 12th at 7 p.m. in the tents.