On the opening day of the Claremont Convergence, the University of La Verne women's water polo squad unleashed a relentless attack on the net capturing two victories against Caltech and the Virginia Military Institute on Friday at La Verne Aquatics Center.
La Verne would first face off against Caltech in a match that saw the Leopards execute both offense and defense. The Leopard defense shut out the Beavers through almost two full quarters giving Alex Gudeneau, Ryanne Bible, Melissa Pryor, Catie Tuning, and Justine Mojarro plenty of opportunites to hit the back of the net. The six Leopards would combine for eight goals before the half. Tuning would account for four of the fifteen La Verne goals in the 15-7 victory.
Lauren Shepard and Samary Morales combined for eight saves against the Beavers.
Persistance and consistency would pay off for the Leopards in game two against the Virginia Military Institue. A first half shutout and scoring drives in each quarter would boost La Verne past the Keydets for an 8-4 victory.
Katie Lacek and Stephanie Tuning would get the match started for the Leopards scoring at the 6:02 and 4:19 marks in the contest to take an early 2-0 lead. The La Verne defense would allow Tuning another opportunity to score at 5:58 and head into the half with a 3-0 lead.
VMI would close the gap with two quick goals after the half lessesing the Leo lead to 4-2 but La Verne would begin to pull away when Sarah Jefferis, Bible and Mojarro scored to give the Leos a four-goal cushion. Gudeneau and Catie Tuning would provide added insurance with a pair of goals in the fourth quarter, cementing the match at 8-4
Shepard was instrumental in the victory, capturing 17 saves for La Verne.
La Verne reaches the .500 mark and takes on Long Beach State and Cal State Bernardino beginning tomorrow at 11:40.