ORANGE, Calif. — Women's basketball picked up its fourth-straight victory on Thursday, Dec. 28, over the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers, 75-69.

The Panthers got off to a scorching start, leading by as many as 15, closing out the first quarter up 28-15. Layla Woods scored 10 of her 20 points in the first, cashing in on three jumpers and going 4-for-4 from the line.

The lead dwindled to just one at halftime, with the Pioneers taking a one-point lead with 56 seconds to go in the frame. Woods totaled her 16th second-half point with another bucket to close the second.

The third quarter started off as all Panthers, opening the second half with a 9-0 run, growing to a comfortable 10-point lead. Maile knocked down a triple and another jump shot early before hitting a miraculous one-handed behind-the-head buzzer beater to end the quarter with seven points and a 59-55 Chapman lead.

There were three lead changes in the fourth, but a 6-0 run with six minutes to go, spearheaded by two Hana Speaks free throws and a layup, closed out the win for the Panthers. Speaks had seven in the quarter and finished as one of the three Panthers in double figures with 11.

Nakaji was second in scoring with 13 behind Woods, who added nine rebounds and five steals to her ledger – now sitting at 2.7 steals per game to lead the team. 

The Panthers return to action in 2024 to take on Pomona-Pitzer at home on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.