LA VERNE, CA – Opening the season ranked No. 6 in the country, the University of La Verne women's volleyball team cruised to a three set sweep over Lasell University to begin the 2026 campaign. Dr. Randi Taylor-Toomay recorded her first career win as head coach.
Pacific Coast Classic Game One: La Verne 3, Lasell University 0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-17)
The Leopards came out with a bang, notching a .322 hitting percentage. Zacky Coaston led the way for the Leos with 11 kills while hitting .500. Lauren Gott was right behind with nine kills. The rest of the Leopard attack was formed by Alanna Jones, Allison Mason, Mariah Ray, and Abigail Montana, who combined for 18 kills.
The attackers were set up by a pair of setters, America Reynaga and Malia Capistrano, who had 21 and 13 assists respectively. On the defensive side, La Verne had some excellent back row play. Gott had a team high nine digs, with sophomore libero Morgan Watkins collecting seven. Mason and Tova Craig both had five, and Capistrano contributed with four of her own.
"It feels like it was a long time coming and I love it. I'm super proud of the team for letting me be apart of that and giving me that gift," said Dr. Taylor-Toomay reflecting on her first win.
The Leopards battled adversity before their first match even began. After the opening game of the tournament, power went out in the La Verne area and day one of the tournament was moved to the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps auxiliary gym.
Up Next
The Leopards will be back in action tomorrow at home, September 5 as the Pacific Coast Classic rolls on in "The Tents." They'll take on Southwestern University at 12:30 p.m., followed by a matchup with Westminster College (MO) at 5:30 p.m.
