LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne volleyball team defeated the Chapman University Panthers on Tuesday night. ULV entered the match ranked fourth in the conference, just above the No. 5-ranked Panthers.
With the win, the Leopards continue post-season play on the road at Cal Lutheran on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the SCIAC Semifinals. No. 3 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps travels to No. 2 seed Whittier College in the other semifinal.
Senior
Lauren Gott shone brightly in The Tents, earning 20 points for La Verne, with 18 kills, 13 digs, and 2 block assists. Sophomore
Mariah Ray had a standout performance, scoring 18.5 points with 16 kills and six total blocks.
La Verne took charge in the first set. Chapman errors gave the Leopards a lead, and outside
Allison Mason capitalized. Mason finished the night with 11 kills and eight digs. The freshman has made an impact in her first year at La Verne, and her talent promises a very successful post-season tournament. The Leopards took set one, 25-20.
The Panthers won set two, with a narrow margin of three points. The play was consistent, but kills from Chapman's Ava Bradbury sealed the deal. La Verne fell 25-22 in the second.
Set three was a battle until the score read 12-12. Mason went on a serving run, allowing opportunities for the Leopards. Shortly after, libero
Morgan Watkins took matters into her own hands. She served for nine straight points, keeping the ball in Leopard possession. Watkins dug 23 on Tuesday and recorded five service aces. ULV won set three decisively, 25-13.
La Verne pulled ahead early in the fourth set, thanks in part to freshman setter
Jordyn McCoy. She assisted 28, just short of her career high of 29, and dug six. Watkins went on yet another serving run, and a fatal kill from Gott finished it off. The Leopards grabbed set four, 25-12.
