LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne water polo team lost to Chapman, 17-7, on Saturday at La Verne Aquatic Center.

La Verne falls to 5-15 overall and 1-3 in SCIAC play. Chapman improves to 12-8 and 4-1.

The Leopards could not contain the Panthers' counterattack and fell behind early. Chapman grabbed the first four goals of the game before Jared Hopley stopped the bleeding with 14 seconds left in the first quarter and netted the first three goals of the second quarter. La Verne pulled one back on a buzzer beater by Bryan Jimenez, but a 7-2 deficit at the half proved too much to overcome.

La Verne's offense showed signs of life in the second half with five goals, but the gain was negated by Chapman's 10 goals on the other end of the pool.

Hopley finished with two goals. Andrew Phillips and Makai DeNeve-Arnam each had one.

Willis Allen led all players with six goals and Jon Hillman had three goals for Chapman.

La Verne returns to action on Wednesday at Occidental.