By Kay Hurd
La Verne Athletics Communications

La Verne, Calif. — Rey Julian Castillo notched four goals but it wasn't enough for the University of La Verne men's water polo team in a 10-7 loss to NCAA Division I Fordham on Thursday afternoon at Las Flores Park.

The Leopards saw late goals from Castillo, Jared Hopley and Tyler Bennett to close the gap to one, but the Rams capitalized on a defensive miscommunication to close out the game 10-7.

Castillo struck first with a bullet from the top, then Hopley with a bullet from the set position. Bennett would connect on his first goal of the game to close the gap at 8-7, but the Rams rallied and closed out the game, 10-7.

Both teams got off to a slow start, with the Leopards overshooting the cage six times in the opening frame. The Rams struck twice early, but neither team could muster a rally or a rhythm.

Castillo scored on back-to-back possessions to put the Leopards on the board, 4-2, but R.J. Simmons answered the call twice to keep the Leopards at bay. Rex Sample would add one more after Guillermo Ocasio drew a penalty shot, to close the half 5-3.

The Leopards are back in action on Friday and Saturday at the annual Gary Troyer Tournament, hosted by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer.

Fordham 10, La Verne 7
Oct. 6, 2016 • La Verne, Calif.
FU       2 – 3 – 3 – 2 = 10
LV       0 – 3 – 1 – 3 = 7

SCORING:
FU – Jake Miller-Tolt 4, Simmons 3, Joseph Agabs, Grant Keesling, Ian Watson
LV – Castillo 4, Hopley, Bennett, Sample