ORANGE, Calif. – Kloe Lobato doubled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning as the Chapman University softball team grabbed a 3-2 series-opening win over La Verne. The Panthers improved to 10-3 in the SCIAC and 25-7 overall.

Lobato's double backed another solid outing from Rose Malen, She struck out four and scattered six hits, allowing a two-run double in the fourth. She picked up her 12th win of the season.

The Panthers took the lead on an errant throw to first in the third inning. La Verne bounced back in the fourth as a pair of infield singles and a sacrifice bunt put two in scoring position with one out – without the ball leaving the infield. Angelina Ratzlaff found the left center gap for a two-run double and a La Verne lead.

Aleena Helms led the Panthers with two hits in the game and singled to put two one with two outs in the fourth. Both were stranded there but the Panthers responded when the lineup flipped over in the sixth.

Mia Reyes led off with an infield single and moved up on a dropped line drive. Lobato sent a deep fly ball into the left center gap to bring home Reyes and Shea Higa for a 3-2 lead.

Malen allowed a bloop single in the seventh but immediately slammed the door to get the Panthers' 10th SCIAC and keep a three-game margin for second place in the standings.

The series moves to La Verne on Saturday for a noon doubleheader.