Orange, Calif. — Chapman women's basketball clinched an important conference win Saturday evening over La Verne by just one point 57-56. 

The late afternoon began with joy, as the Panthers celebrated their three seniors: Trinity Barretto, Kali Cajala and Aidan Sherfey along with their team manager Scout Swanson. All three athletes are four year team members and team captains. Their team needed every bit of veteran leadership against La Verne. 

Chapman got off to a smoking start leading 35-22 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Leopards closed the gap, but Chapman still showed out in droves. Junior guard Maile Nakaji got hot knocking down four three-pointers while going 7/9 from the field for the game. She ended up with 19 points in total. Forward Layla Woods added another 13 points and eight rebounds. 

Chapman caused La Verne to commit 22 turnovers, scored 18 points off those turnovers and had 15 steals on the day. Senior leader Trinity Barretto and sophomore point guard Kira Watanabe led the way defensively, with four steals each suffocating La Verne in the fourth quarter. Barretto also earned five crucial rebounds. 

Chapman now sits at 14-9 overall and 7-7 in the SCIAC. They will head on the road to play at Occidental on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Chapman remains in the hunt for the fifth spot in conference which would make them eligible for the upcoming SCIAC Tournament.