LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The University of La Verne (16-0, 7-0 SCIAC) maintained its perfect season with a 3-0 victory over Occidental College (4-11, 2-5 SCIAC) on Saturday at Rush Gymnasium, winning by scores of 25-20, 25-15, 25-19.

Occidental began the first set with an early offensive highlight, as Corinne Van Haeren secured the initial point from a Lila Payne assist. The team maintained competitive momentum with key contributions from Sloane Shoop and Eliana Channell, keeping the score close during the early exchanges. Despite a series of service errors, the Tigers demonstrated resilience, highlighted by Ariana Carranza's multiple kills, narrowing the gap as the set progressed. However, the Leopards capitalized on key opportunities, extending their lead with a succession of points from Mya Ray and Lauren Gott. Occidental attempted a late rally, with Van Haeren and Carranza delivering critical points to close the deficit. However, the set concluded with La Verne securing the win, finishing 25-20.

Occidental began the second set with momentum, as Sloane Shoop secured an early point with a kill from Payne's assist. Carranza and Channell contributed with key kills, helping to keep the score tied at 4-4. A brief surge followed as the Tigers capitalized on back-to-back attack errors by the Leopards, taking a narrow 6-4 lead. However, La Verne responded with a sequence of kills and service aces, overtaking Occidental and extending their advantage. The Tigers attempted to regain control with notable plays, including a kill by Anna Curtis-Revelle and a block by Carranza and Channell. Despite these efforts, La Verne's offensive consistency, highlighted by Mya Ray's multiple kills, allowed them to sustain their lead. The set closed with La Verne completing a 25-15 victory over Occidental, demonstrating a strong finish through a series of successful attacks and minimizing their errors.

Occidental opened the third set with a promising start as Van Haeren scored the first point with a kill from Payne. However, La Verne quickly responded, building momentum with a series of points, including a service ace and blocks that led to a 5-1 lead. The Tigers fought back with Curtis-Revelle and Carranza contributing kills, leveling the score at 5-5. Despite Occidental's efforts to keep the score close, the Leopards capitalized on Occidental's attack errors and extended their lead with consistent scoring, reaching a 14-7 advantage. The Tigers showed resilience with Carranza and Channell adding critical points to narrow the gap to 17-11. As the set neared conclusion, La Verne maintained control, despite Occidental's attempts to rally with additional points from Channell and Carranza. La Verne closed the set with a final kill, securing a 25-19 victory in the third set.

Occidental Top Performers

Ariana Carranza  
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- 11 kills on 31 attempts  
- nine digs  
- one block assist  

Kendall Taylor  
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- eight assists  
- four digs  

Lila Payne  
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- 16 assists  
- four digs  

Corinne Van Haeren  
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- seven kills on 19 attempts  
- two assists  
- one service ace  

Eyleen Sanchez  
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- 10 digs  
- two assists  
- one service ace