| Kelly Kika's nine three-pointers were a school record for La Verne, which set a Division III record for three-pointers in a game. |
On a rainy night outdoors, the University of La Verne made sure it rained three-pointers inside Frantz Athletic Court on a record-setting night in a 113-61 triumph over visiting Pomona-Pitzer in SCIAC women's basketball action.
La Verne set an NCAA Division III record for three-point field goals with 26, breaking the old mark of 24 established earlier this season by Sewanee against Judson (Ala.) on November 19. The 113 points against the Sagehens broke the record for most points scored in school history.
The Leopards, who went 26-63 (41.3%) beyond the arc, easily eclipsed their month-old mark of 18 threes set against the Sagehens in Claremont on January 21. Sophomore guard Kelly Kika also set a single-game school record for treys with 9 to break the old mark of Lindsey Shiomi, who totaled 8 against Pomona-Pitzer in 2007.
A total of 10 different Leopards made at least one three-pointer, led by Kika's nine treys. Freshman Brittni Tapia totaled four triples with five other Leopards posting at least two baskets from beyond the arc.
"Tonight was the first big step for our program in defining who we are going to be," said head coach Matt Rogers. "I'm extremely proud of the work our young ladies have put in all season. To see them finally getting healthy and being able to see the fruits of their labor makes the tough stretches of our season worthwhile."
With the Leopards up 15-13 in the first half, Kika would connect on four consecutive treys in four straight possessions to take a 27-18 lead. Back-to-back treys from Amanda Copas and Riki Murakami put La Verne up 46-27 with five minutes left before intermission. Kika would add three more triples in the final 2:52 to help lift the Leopards to 61-37 lead at the half.
La Verne (6-17, 4-8 SCIAC) connected on 14 treys in the first 20 minutes. The Leos shot 46.7% beyond the arc (14-30) and made 56.1% from the field. Kika led the assault with eight triples in the first half.
The Leopards continued their assault from three-point range in the second half, making 12 of their 33 attempts in the final 20 mintues en route to the national record.
Mia Roseboro's three-pointer with 3:38 left put the Leopards on top 102-58 to tie the NCAA Division III single-game record. Moments later, Raphaelle Buenafe buried a three-pointer to set a new mark.
Kika led all scorers with a career-high 32 points, finishing 9-14 from three-point range. Overall she made 11 of her 16 field goal attempts. "Kelly Kika performed to her potential tonight," said Rogers. "Not only was it a record-breaking night, but it was the beginning of many more great nights to come."
Four other Leopard players reached double figures with Megan Musashi contributing 14 points, with Buenafe and Tapia adding 12 points each. Tyne McClure contributed 11 points and 4 rebounds.
Alexis Sones led the Sagehens (4-19, 2-10 SCIAC) with 23 points.
La Verne will continue league action Thursday night to take on Whittier College in a 7:30 pm start.