LA VERNE, Calif. — Tyler Bennett led all players with four goals, and the University of La Verne men's water polo team scored their first SCIAC win, beating Caltech 17-7.
Nine different Leopards found the back of the net in the game, with Rey Julian Castillo turning in three goals in the win.
The Leopards dominated from the get to, opening up to a 6-3 win at the end of the first quarter. Mike Meza opened the scoring just over a minute into the contest. The Beavers responded quickly with Steven Csaposs tying the game just a minute later. After the squads each traded another goal, Rex Sample put the Leopards up 3-2 to give La Verne the lead for good.
La Verne was even more dominant in the second quarter, outscoring the Beavers 5-1 in the period off goals by Jason Russum, Castillo, Bennett, and Joey Sabers to take an 11-4 lead at the break.
The Leopards stayed in control the rest of the way, shutting out Caltech in the third quarter on their way to a 10-goal win.
Russum and Domenic D'Andrea each notched two goals in the game. Dario Mariani, Joshua Vega, and Ian Hernandez each added a goal.
Brian Wilder got the start in the cage, finishing with seven saves. Mason Fox stepped in at goalie in the fourth quarter and totaled four saves.
Season Impact: The Leopards improve to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in SCIAC play. Caltech falls to 4-5 overall and 1-2 in the SCIAC.
Next Game: The Leopards head down the road to take on the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags on Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m.