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The University of La Verne nearly climbed back from a 17-7 deficit against Chapman University, getting to within three points but eventually falling short in a 17-14 defeat to the Panthers Saturday at Ortmayer Stadium.  

The Leopards reached the Panthers' 16-yard line with under two minutes remaining, but the Chapman defense recorded a crucial sack, forcing a 43-yard field goal attempt which was unsuccessful.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers broke on top early in the second quarter on a 21-yard pass from Blake Vanderveil to Chris Langstaff to close a 7-play, 41-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead.

Chapman scored on its next possession, marching 64 yards in just 6 plays, as Vanderveil tossed a 5-yard scoring strike to Dan Delahoussaye with 5:15 remaining in the half, giving the Panthers a 14-0 advantage.

La Verne cut the gap courtesy of its defense, as Wardell Campbell recovered a Chapman fumble and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown to close the margin to 14-7 at intermission. 

Both defensives controlled the third quarter, as the two squads were held scoreless.  La Verne drove to the Panther 16-yard line, but the drive stalled and a subsequent 33-yard field goal attempt sailed wide.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Chapman recovered a Leopard fumble at the La Verne 22-yard line and converted the turnover into points as Parker Colborn kicked a 23-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 17-7 with 7:40 remaining.

The Leopards would reply with a score of their own, driving 58 yards on 5 plays culminating in an 11-yard scoring touchdown pass from Anthony Andre to Cedric Ho. 

The win gives Chapman four straight over the Leopards in the series as the squad finishes the season at 4-5.  La Verne ends its campaign at 0-9.

Vanderweil threw for a game-high 240 yards and 2 touchdowns while Langstaff had 8 receptions for game-high110 yards.

Erek Brown caught a game-high 10 passes for 87 yards while Ho caught 8 passes for 51 yards on the day and finished the season with 81 receptions for 894 yards. 

The trio of Campbell (14), Branamier Courtney (13) and Rich Richardson (13) combined for 40 tackles in the game.  Courtney, one of the Leopard seniors honored prior to the game, concludes a stellar career by finishing the 2009 campaign with a team-high 87 tackles.