by Meridith Zembal
Staff Writer
The Leopards finished the week strong with two wins, and only one game left to go in conference against rival team Cal Lutheran.
The last home game for La Verne took place last Saturday morning against the Claremont Athenas, and this game made a statement for La Verne soccer, 1-0.
The team also paid tribute to all those seniors who completed their fourth year of NCAA play.
Those seniors include Heather Cooper, Erica Borbon, Katrina Ordone, Giselle Ortega, Nancy Santana and Kim Schrepfer.
“We’re losing some quality player,” said head coach, Wendy Zwissler. “The younger girls will step up and continue making this program better.”
The aggressive game was even throughout the clock. Even though many close shots were taken from both teams.
The first half ended with a score of 0-0 with a great save made at the buzzer by La Verne goalie, Kim Schrepfer.
La Verne’s efforts were paid off when Manuela Bonilla scored the first and only goal of the game.
Bonilla’s goal was enough to win it with almost 30 minutes remaining in the second half.
With this victory, the Leopards eliminated the Athenas chances at continuing into the playoffs.
After such a great win on Saturday, the Leopards continued their momentum against the undefeated University of Redlands.
The game began with a strong first half, leaving the score at 1-0. La Verne’s Noelle Feesago put the Leopards on the board, giving them the energetic drive for the rest of the game.
Senior Giselle Ortega put another ball between the posts, winning the game for La Verne, giving them a comfortable lead of 2-0.
The Bulldogs fought back scoring one goal late in the second half.
The final score was 2-1.
“It was nice to have a game that displayed our capabilities,” said La Verne Assistant coach, Rachel Lieberman. “Every player showed their full potential.”
The Bulldogs were previously undefeated, and the Leopards were the first team to beat them.
The Leopards overall record now stands at 10-6-1.
“Our play level has peaked in these past two games. It shows what we are capable of and gives us confidence going into our final game against Cal Lu,” Amanda Egan said.
ULV plays its final match against rival Cal Lu in Thousand Oaks today at 2:30.
