WHITTIER, Calif. — Victoria Mezack led the Leopards with two assists and three goals but the Whittier College Poets closed out the game on a 6-1 run to beat the University of La Verne women's water polo team 10-6 Wednesday night.

Jasmine Bustamante scored twice for the Leopards and added three steals. Kate Bradley netted one goal.

After the Poets scored four times in the third quarter to take their first lead of the game, La Verne found themselves trailing by just one heading into the final period. But the Poets extended their lead to two off a five-meter penalty shot and added a power-play goal less than a minute later to hold off the Leopards.

Shelby Garcia finished the game with 11 saves and three steals. 

Season Impact: La Verne drops to 7-13 overall and 4-6 in the SCIAC. The Poets improve to 7-14 overall and 5-5 in conference play.

Next Game: The Leopards next host the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas this Saturday at 11 a.m.