Kamiyama breaks Chapman assists record; Panthers beat La Sierra

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - As a freshman, Lauren Kamiyama watched senior Gayle Sonoda break Chapman's all-time assists record. Four years later, Kamiyama climbed past Sonoda and now sits alone at the top. The senior point guard dished out seven assists against La Sierra University on Saturday as the Chapman University women's basketball team defeated the host Golden Eagles 81-77.

Kamiyama now has 399 assists in her career, surpassing Sonoda who finished with 396 in 2005. With her next assist, Kamiyama will become the only player in school history to reach the 400 assist plateau.

Kamiyama's ability to find post players Andrijana Kerkez and Brandi Hood throughout the game helped the Panthers maintain a slim second-half lead and pull away with the four-point win. Kerkez finished with 18 points and nine rebounds while Hood added a career-high 14 points.

Chapman (14-7) forced just 16 turnovers - well below its season average - however six of those turnovers came on Kamiyama steals. It marked the fourth time this season she has recorded six or more steals in a game.

The Panthers have won eight of their past nine games and face the University of Dallas (Texas) and U.C. Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz this weekend.