ORANGE, Calif. — The University of La Verne men's water polo team fought hard against Division III No. 2 Chapman, but could not over come a slow start in a 17-11 loss at Allred Aquatics Center on Saturday.

La Verne drops to 7-13 overall and 1-3 in SCIAC play.

La Verne got offensive contributions from up and down the roster, with eight different players getting on the board, but the defense start with enough intensity.

Sean Phillips got the Leopards on the board after Chapman took an early 2-0 lead, but Chapman finished the first quarter on a 3-1 run to take a 5-2 into the first intermission.

The Leopards matched Chapman almost goal-for-goal in the second quarter, but could not make enough defensive stops to reduce the deficit and went into the break trailing 11-7.

The teams again traded goals to start the second half, but Chapman pulled away late, finishing the game with a 4-1 run.

Bryan Jimenez led the Leopards with three goals and Jared Hopley was right behind with two.

Viken Huening; Robert Atherton; Andrew Phillips; Jonathon Jarvis; Josh Vega; and Sean Phillips each had one.

Chapman's Chase Middlesworth scored a game-high four goals, all of which came in the second quarter.

The Leopards return to the pool on Nov. 5 when they host Occidental at 4 p.m.