THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The University of La Verne men's water polo team stayed even with Cal Lutheran the final three periods, but the Leopards couldn't overcome a big first quarter by the Kingsmen, falling 16-12 on the road.
Rey Julian Castillo scored a game-high six goals to bring his season total to 28 goals this season. Joshua Vega added a hat trick for La Verne to bring his season total to 11 goals.
After falling behind 5-1 at the end of first quarter, Vega and Castillo each scored two goals in the second period to go into the break down 9-5.
The Leopards started hot in the second half with Rex Sample scoring one of his two goals off an assist from Ian Hernandez midway through the period. Seconds later Castillo cut the Kingsmen's lead to just two. Mike Meza added another goal with ten seconds remaining in the quarter to bring the score to 11-8 heading into the fourth quarter.
Cal Lutheran outscored La Verne 5-4 in the final quarter to seal the win.
Hernandez finished the game with six saves. Sample and Castillo each added two steals.
Season Impact: The Leopards fall to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in SCIAC play. Cal Lutheran improves to 3-5 overall and 2-0 in the conference.
Next Game: La Verne plays their SCIAC home opener on Wednesday, September 27 against the Whittier College Poets at 4 p.m.