by Monica Garica Silva

CLAREMONT, CA - The University of La Verne women's water polo team traveled to a close town match to take on the Claremont Mudd Scripps Athenas for today's evening showdown. The Leopards looked to secure a top-four seed to advance to SCIAC playoffs, as the season has only a few regular season games left on the schedule. La Verne's previous match against CMS earlier on the year ended in a heartbreaking loss in overtime with a last-minute Athena goal. 

The Athenas hit the scoreboard first with a quick goal to start the game around the seven minute mark. La Verne struck back with two straight goals before the Athenas tied it up at 2-2. While both teams traded goals, the Athenas maintained control throughout the rest of the game, keeping the Leopards scoreless in the second period.

La Verne rallied after halftime with eight goals in the second. But penalties and exclusions hurt La Verne and they utlimately fell to CMS 11-18.  

Four Leopards ended with two goals each: Tamara Nordstrom, Nancy Trinh, Jassmine Kezman, and Kelly Riedel. Kate Carlyle defended the nets in goal and tallied four key saves.

The Leopard's next game will be against the top-ranked Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens at 11 AM on Saturday, April 15th, on Senior Day at Las Flores Park.