LA VERNE, Calif. — Rey Julian Castillo scored seven goals, Tyler Bennett added four and the University of La Verne men's water polo team rolled on their way to an 18-10 win overall the Occidental College Tigers Wednesday afternoon at Las Flores Park.

The Leopards jumped on the Tigers from the get-go, going up 3-0 off back-to-back goals by Bennett and another by Jason Russum. 

Elijah Havens finally got the Tigers on the board just under three minutes into the game. But La Verne would add four more goals in the period, going up 7-2 after one quarter of play. 

Rex Sample extended the Leopards lead in the second quarter, scoring off a pass from Joey Sabers. Castillo added his first goal of the game off a five-meter penalty shot. The senior added one more goal in the quarter to put La Verne up 10-3 at the break. 

Occidental battled back after the break, scoring seven goals in the second half, but La Verne countered with eight goals of their own to put the game away.

Dario Mariani finished with two goals and an assist. Mike Meza added a goal, an assist, and a steal.

Jason Russum finished with two assists, two steals, and a goal.

Evan Monterroso, Joshua Vega, and Ian Hernandez each dished out two assists.

Jeremy Rocha, Mariani, Meza, and Castillo each added one assist.

Hernandez led la Verne with five steals and also added one save. Brian Wilder also finished with a save.

Season Impact: The Leopards improve to 5-11 overall and 2-5 in the SCIAC. Occidental falls to 0-20 overall and 0-7 in SCIAC play.

Next Game: The Leopards travel to Redlands this Thursday to face the Bulldogs at 7 p.m.