ORANGE, Calif — Women's basketball dropped a back-and-forth contest to the No. 21 La Verne Leopards on Saturday, 78-64.

The Panthers jumped out to a commanding seven point lead early, after shooting 64% from the field in the opening frame. The 21-14 advantage was quickly hit with an 11-0 Leopard run to close out the quarter.

The second quarter was more of the same with the Panthers cutting the deficit to two heading into the half, 36-34. Coming out of the locker room, however, La Verne pulled off a 12-2 run, eventually sealing the game.

Julia Strand led the Panthers with 22 points. Zoe Zurasky was the other double figure scorer with 13. Kali Cajala offered a spark off the bench with nine points in 18 minutes shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field with one triple.

Chapman returns to the court next Wednesday to take on the CMS Stags in Claremont at 7 p.m.

By Joe Perrino

Assistant SID / Recreation Sports Manager

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