LA JOLLA, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team opened the season with four games at UC San Diego in the Triton Invitational.
The Leopards' opening weekend action featured games against two top-12 opponents.
No. 12 UC San Diego 25, La Verne 8
Newcomer Wesley Hovanesian led the Leopards with three goals against the host Tritons. Charles Ortega scored twice and Myles Storms, Domenic D'Andrea, and Michael Staine each added one goal. Rex Sample and Ortega each added two assists.
No. 9 UC Irvine 22, La Verne 5
Ortega scored two more times in La Verne's second game on Saturday. Joey Sabers, D'Andrea, and Staine each found the back of the net once.
Brian Wilder finished the games with four saves. Miles Kalbus led the Anteaters with five goals.
Concordia (Cal.) 15, La Verne 13
The Leopards' best game of the tournament came on their Sunday opener against the Eagles. After falling behind 7-2 in the first half, the Leopards rallied for six goals in the third quarter, getting two within a goal of Concordia's lead. But the Eagles responded with five goals of their of their own in the period to head into the fourth up 12-9.
Ortega finished with five goals in the game. Jason Russum scored twice.
Chapman 15, La Verne 5
The Leopards capped off the weekend with a game against SCIAC opponent Chapman.
Ortega finished with two goals, Russum and Staine both scored once.
Next Game
The Leopards next host the Inland Empire Classic. The Leopards open up the weekend with two games on Saturday, September 8 first against Riverside Community College at 9 a.m. and next against No. 6 Long Beach State at 2:20 p.m.
On Sunday La Verne opens against No. 10 UC Santa Barbara at 9 a.m. The Leopards end the weekend against No. 2 USC.
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