LA VERNE, CA - Reigning Leopard of the Week Alyssa Smith recorded her 10th double-double of the season as the University of La Verne women's basketball team dominated in The Tents, taking down the SCIAC first-place Cal Lutheran Regals, 64–56.

Smith's double-double included 18 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists. Maya Sanborn added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Jasmine Prajitno contributed 15 points. Isabella Gray-Musolff and Zaria Gomez both recorded seven points. The Leopards bench battled throughout the night, dressing just seven players compared to California Lutheran's deeper lineup.

Jayda Felix had a big block in the paint late in the game and added three rebounds, three points, and an assist. Mcguire Lennon finished with two assists, two points, one block, and one steal

La Verne came out strong in the opening quarter, scoring the first four points on Smith's layups and outpacing the Regals 17–9 to set the tone early.

Cal Lutheran responded in the second quarter, going 7-of-13 from the free-throw line to claw back points, but the Leopards kept pace by knocking down six three-pointers to carry a 32–25 lead into halftime.

The Regals trimmed the deficit to three midway through the third quarter, but Sanborn, Smith, and Prajitno helped steady the Leopards, pushing the lead back to 11 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a grind, with both teams answering each other's fouls and a total of 19 free throws, but the Leopards stayed composed and sealed the 64–56 upset win.


Words from Head Coach Anthony Mason:

"Every day we've been getting better, said Mason. Every day, I am so proud of this team, and this just shows their hard work."

La Verne will continue SCIAC play this Saturday in Orange against the Chapman University Panthers at 4 p.m.