La Verne, California – Today the University of La Verne women's water polo team played two games at home looking to get back to their winning ways and prepare for the next stretch of conference games. The Leopards welcome Biola University and Ottawa University to the La Verne Aquatics Center for morning and afternoon action.
The Leopards first game of the day matched them up against Ottawa University out of the KCAC Conference. The first quarter of play would end with both teams tied at one apiece as the defensive intensity on both sides controlled the game play during the quarter. The second quarter would see action pick up as the Leopards scored four goals while Ottawa scored three goals, as the Leopards enterted halftime with a 5-4 lead. Second half action would be closely contested on both sides as the scoring was essentially balanced throughout on both sides of the ball. The Leopards pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat Ottawa by a final score of 11-8. The Leopards had a balanced attack as five Leopards scored two goals ( Nancy Trinh (2), Sumi Rudisky (2), Abby Nunez (2), Dani D'Andrea (2), Kelly Riedel (2), Sona Aghasaryan (1) goal) in the victory.
The second game of the day would see the Leopards take on Biola University from the Pac West Conference. An extremely competitive contest from the onset, both teams played to a stand still in the first quarter, as the opening quarter ended with both teams tied at four apiece. The Leopards would score four more goals in the second quarter, to take an 8-6 lead into intermission. Biola would score six goals in the second half to leave the game tied at the end of regulation 12-12. The first overtime period the Leopards would go scoreless, while Biola scored one goal, giving them a 13-12 lead after the first OT. The Leopards scored one goal in the second overtime period to knot the game up at thirteen apiece. Sudden death held the final determination of the game and the Leopards would win on a goal scored by Nancy Trinh. Seven Leopards scored in the game ( Nancy Trinh (5), Dani D'Andrea (3), Jassmine Kezman (2), Bianca Sanchez, Angelica Espinoza, Sumi Rudisky, Tara Holstrom )while Kate Carlyle had seven saves in the victory.
The Leopards return back to action on Monday March, 28th against Brown University at the La Verne Aquatics Center.
