Holiday Hoopla
La Verne Men’s & Women’s Basketball Teams Host Home Action During the Winter Break
Following the musical suggestion that there’s no place like home for the holidays, the La Verne men’s and women’s basketball teams will each host a trio of basketball games during the 2009 winter break. This convenient scheduling offers area fans the gift of end-to-end action on Frantz Athletic Court in the Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion.
What makes these opportunities even better is that admission to all Leopards regular season home games is free. It’s a great way for individuals and families alike to enjoy exciting college basketball at a price that fits any budget.
The La Verne women’s team, guided by interim coach Lindsey Shiomi, is coming off three straight 19-win seasons. The Leopards are led by a trio of guards – junior Ashley Paul, sophomore Clarissa Holz, and freshman Amanda Copas.
Under third year head coach Richard Reed, the La Verne men’s team is led by sophomore forwards Austin Napolitano and Trevor Woodland and senior guard Matt Heyd.
Tuesday, Dec. 29 – In their biggest test of the season thus far the La Verne women take on one of the top teams in NCAA Division III. Illinois Wesleyan University puts its perfect 8-0 record on the line in a 5 p.m. matchup against the Leopards. The Titans, ranked No. 1 by D3hoops.com and No. 2 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, won 30 straight games a year ago before losing in the national quarterfinals. Since the start of the 2005-06 season, Illinois Wesleyan is 105-18.
Wednesday, Dec. 30 – The La Verne men take the floor at 7 p.m. against visiting Northland College of Ashland, Wis. The LumberJacks feature a mixture of experience and talent with all five starters returning from a year ago on a roster that includes six freshmen.
Thursday, Dec. 31 – Fans can begin their New Year’s Eve festivities by watching the La Verne women face Southwestern College of Phoenix, Ariz., at 5 p.m. Leading a young Lady Eagles squad are sophomore Anne Munsil and freshman Lauren Bell.
Saturday, Jan. 2 – A nonconference rivalry is renewed when the La Verne women square off against Chapman University at 5 p.m. It’s a rematch of this year’s season opener at Orange, the Leopards outscoring the Panthers 12-2 over the final four minutes to earn a 75-65 victory.
Sunday, Jan. 3 – It’s a rare Sunday start for the La Verne men as they host Bethany Lutheran College from Mankato, Minn., at 4 p.m. The Vikings, 13-14 a year ago, are led by a pair of seniors – guard Tommy Saffert and forward Jeff Zimmerman – and talented freshman guard Derek Peterson.
Tuesday, Jan. 5 – In their final outing before opening SCIAC play, the La Verne men face West Coast Baptist College of Lancaster in a 7 p.m. start. The visiting Eagles, two-time defending Pacific Christian Athletic Conference champions, are led by guards Danny Galdamez and Cody Mainous.
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