Leopards' comeback falls short

Leopards' comeback falls short

REDLANDS, Calif. — Rex Sample and Rey Julian Castillo each scored four goals, and the University of La Verne men's water polo team outscored Redlands 8-3 in the second half.

But the Leopards couldn't overcome a first half deficit, falling on the road to the Bulldogs 14-12.

After going to halftime down 11-4, the Leopards rallied in the third quarter off goals by Sample, Castillo, Mike Meza, and Joshua Vega to cut Redlands' lead to five.

The Leopards kept their momentum rolling in the final quarter with Sample and Castillo scoring 31 seconds apart to put the score at 13-10. 

Max Taylor put the Bulldogs back up by four with just under four minutes to play.

The Leopards kept battling with Jason Russum finding the back of the cage with 2:55 on the clock to give his squad a chance late.

But La Verne could only manage one more goal with Castillo scoring for the fourth time with 15 seconds left to play.

Russum led La Verne with three steals in the game and Sample added two of his own.

Ian Hernandez recorded 11 saves and a steal in the match. Russum, Castillo, and Meza each added an assist. 

Joey Sabers scored for La Verne in the first quarter.

The game stayed close in the opening quarter with the Leopards trailing by just two goals after the first eight minutes of play. But Redlands went on a 5-0 run in the second period to extend their lead.

Season Impact: The Leopards fall to 5-12 overall and 2-6 in the SCIAC. The Bulldogs improve to 10-12 overall and 5-2 in conference play.

Next Game: La Verne returns home this Saturday to face the Chapman Panthers at 11 a.m. at Las Flores Park.