LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne men's water polo team rode smothering defense and timely goals to topple Concordia (Calif.), 8-6, on the first day of the 2015 Inland Empire Classic on Saturday.
It was the teams' third meeting since La Verne head coach William Rodriguez took over prior to the 2014 season and the series has become a litmus test for the Leopards' improvement under Rodriguez. The Eagles easily handled the Leopards, 19-4, in 2014 and after a full season, the Leopards hung with the Eagles last weekend at Whittier Open before falling, 14-11.
Then came Saturday.
The Eagles scored the game's first two goals in the opening three minutes but the Leopards stayed engaged and got one back on a Joshua Vega goal to get within 2-1 at the end of the first quarter.
La Verne absolutely dominated the second quarter as they blanked the Eagles, 5-0, in the frame. The Leopards were tenacious on the field defensively and seeming got their hands on every pass and shot. Freshman goalkeeper Ian Hernandez was impressive as well, collecting three of his 10 saves in the second quarter to help the Leopards take a 6-2 lead into the break.
Jared Hopley put more pressure on Concordia with a goal at the 2:52 mark in the 3rd quarter to give the Leopards the largest lead of the game at 7-2, but the Eagles didn't go quietly. Concordia rattled off three consecutive goals to end the third and start the fourth quarter to get within 7-5.
Sensing the momentum shifting, Rodriguez called a timeout and the Leopards responded immediately as senior captain Bryan Jimenez fired a shot into the net from five meters out to give the Leopards an 8-5 lead.
From head coach Willo Rodriguez
On key to the win: "The solid goalkeeping and two-meter defending from Viken Huening definitely slowed down their offensive power. Concordia has great offensive shooters. Without [Hernandez and Huening] we would've had a tough day."
On the difference between the team's previous meetings with Concordia: "The sense of urgency playing defense. We can score with the best teams out there. However, our team has had a hard time playing defense with the same passion they have on offense. In this game, the sense of urgency on defense showed what we can do."
Game 1: Cal Baptist 15, La Verne 10
In the first game of the day, La Verne lost to Cal Baptist, 15-10.
The Leopards hung with the Lancers until the halftime when it trailed, 8-5, but Cal Baptist used a 5-1 run in the third quarter to earn the win.
Up next
The Leopards will take on No. 2 USC (10:20 a.m.) and SCIAC foe Occidental (1:20 pm) on the final day of Inland Empire Classic at La Verne Aquatic Center.
