PASADENA, Calif. — Jason Russum scored six goals, Joshua Vega and Rey Julian Castillo each scored four times, and the University of La Verne men's water polo team rolled on their way to a 19-9 win over the Caltech Beavers Wednesday night.
Russum gave the Leopards the opening lead less than 30 seconds into the game. Dario Mariani closed out a four-goal first quarter for the Leopards off an assist by Russum to put La Verne up 4-2 after the first eight minutes.
After the Beavers cut the deficit to one at the start of the second quarter, the Leopards went on a 6-1 run off goals by Vega, Russum, Castillo, Mariani and Joey Sabers to take a 10-4 lead into the half.
Rex Sample and Evan Monterroso got in on the scoring in the second half and the Leopards outscored Caltech 9-5 to close out the game.
Russum also led the Leopards with three assists in the game. Vega and Sabers each dished out two assists. Tyler Bennett, Mariani, and Castillo each added one assist.
Ian Hernandez got the start in the cage recording eight saves in the win. Mason Fox stepped in with three saves and Brian Wilder totaled two saves.
Season Impact: The Leopards improve to 6-15 overall and 3-9 in SCIAC play. Caltech drops to 8-13 overall and 2-9 in the conference.
Next Game: The Leopards return to Las Flores Park this Saturday to host the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags at 11 a.m.