by Tom Chambers
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne’s women’s softball team made a statement Wednesday beating Chapman and Puget Sound University.
Both teams ULV defeated were nationally ranked last year.
“Even though Chapman and Puget Sound aren’t SCIAC [Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference] teams, beating them gave us a lot of confidence. We know that they are both extremely good teams,” said shortstop Gina Meza.
The Leopards kept the ball rolling, extending their winning streak to four.
The highlight of both games was Sue Whitcher, who pitched a perfect game against Puget Sound. The highest prize in pitching, Whitcher is the first Leopard to earn the title in recent memory.
To rub lemon juice in a paper cut, La Verne capitalized off the Logger’s five errors and mercied them 8-0 after five innings. The game lasted just over an hour.
The second game saw La Verne down Chapman 4-0.
Pitcher Miranda Tillema carried the Leopards through allowing only three hits.
La Verne broke out of the gates early scoring three runs in the second inning. Kim Schrepfer started the inning off with a free base after being hit by a pitch. Tillema doubled to left center moving over Schrepfer to third.
With opportunity in place, Jackie Russo singled down the third base line for and RBI. With Tillema moving to third on the hit, Russo stole second putting herself in scoring position for Augie Torres who singled to center for an RBI.
Chapman could not catch up and La Verne never looked back playing solid defense error free.
The high caliber of softball the Leopards are playing tails off from there trip to Georgia where they participated in the Lead Off Classic and finished third overall.
Finishing third overall in the tournament is an honor for the Leopards as they were one of 16 teams selected nation wide.
The Leopards next home game is against Whittier Saturday, March 24 at Wheeler Park.
