Sher Porter
Web Editor

The Leopards played hard in the first game but lagged in the second as they won one of two games Saturday against Whittier.

The first game was won 8-6 but the Leopards fell short in game two with a loss, 2-1, after 10 innings.

In both games the Leopards played well defensively but it was its offensive play that led to the team’s loss in the second game.

“There was no sense of urgency to win,” head coach Julie Smith said.

In game one La Verne played with more passion, playing well offensively and defensively against their Southern California Intercol­legiate Athletic Conference opponent.

Senior second baseman Trisha McCormick hit two home runs, which included a three-run home run in a four-run first inning.

“The first one I just kind of got lucky and it went over the fence,” McCormick said.

When the game was tied in the sixth, 5-5, McCormick hit her second home run of the game, but this time it was solo.

It was the quality of the pitching that was the real highlight for the Leopards Saturday. Jessica McLaughlin was the starting pitcher in the first, who, although allowed 14 hits, still pitched well in her eighth win of the season.

In game two Delaney Baylor-Dick took the mound as starting pitcher and continued to pitch for the entire 10 innings of the second game.

“It really showed me that she could step up to the plate and be a leader on the mound,” Smith said.

Baylor-Dick had been injured for most of the season and was not able to play 100 percent.

She held the Poets through eight innings, not allowing them to get on the board.

“I think it was my best one (game) yet so far this season,” Baylor-Dick said.

The team could not continue the momentum in the second game. The pitching and defense stayed strong, but the offense weakened.

“We were less consistent with our hitting in our second game,” McCormick said.

McCormick said the playing schedule from last week may have led to the 10th inning loss.

The game was the last of six consecutive games, including two wins the day before against Pacific Lutheran, 5-1 and 9-8.

Another problem could have been the intermission between the games.
Smith said they lost the energy they had in the first game during their down time.

“That’s not an excuse,” Smith said.

Starting this week Smith implemented some new strategies to practice.
One new strategy she added was to time the players so that they have only a certain amount of time to make a play.

She will also be adding more cardio to the pitchers’ practice so that they are stronger and have more endurance.

“I expect our team to be ready to play,” Smith said.

La Verne is currently 7-5 in SCIAC and is currently third behind Redlands and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

The Leopards will continue conference play against Pomona-Pitzer at Claremont at noon tomorrow.

Sher Porter can be reached at sporter4@ulv.edu.