By Kay Hurd
La Verne Athletics Communications

LA VERNE, Calif. — Rey Julian Castillo drove in six goals to lead the University of La Verne men's water polo team to a 14-12 win over Cal Lutheran at Las Flores Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Castillo put the Leopards on his back and sucked in the defense to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates to find the back of the net.

La Verne used a second half rally to gain the lead and keep it. Castillo fired a rocket into the net from the set position to tie it up at the 6:36 mark in the third quarter and Rex Sample went to work on a power play to give the Leopards the lead at 9-8 just 25 seconds later.

Chris Gardhouse tied it back up at 9-9 on Cal Lutheran's next possession but Joshua Vega answered to put La Verne back up and the Leopards never looked back.

The Kingsmen did make a late push to get within 13-12 with 3:17 left but the Leopards clamped down on defense and Joey Sabers hit the dagger with 46 seconds remaining in the game to give the Leopards their first win of conference play.

La Verne 14, Cal Lutheran 12
Oct. 19, 2016 • La Verne, Calif.
LV       2-5-5-2 = 14
CLU     5-3-2-2 = 12

SCORING:
LV – Castillo 6, Hopley 2, Sample 2, Vega, Elias Acosta, Tyler Bennett, Sabers
CLU – Gardhouse 4, Taggart Diehl 3, Zack Card 2, George French, George Lundgren, Camron Hauer