RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — The University of La Verne men's water polo team started the season on a high note, winning a pair of games on the road Saturday morning.

Game One: Leopards 22, Chaffey College 9

The Leopards started the season with a dominant win, routing Chaffey College 22-9 in their opening game. Returners Rey Julian Castillo, Joey Sabers, and Rex Sample each finished the game with four goals. Sabers also led La Verne with seven steals in the win. 

Goalie Ian Hernandez notched seven seven saves to go with three saves, earning his first win of the season. Freshman Mike Meza had a great start to his collegiate career scoring a hat trick in the win. Junior Domenic D'Andrea also added three goals in the win. 

Jason Russum, Evan Monterroso, Joshua Vega, and Jeremy Rocha each added a goal of their own. Russum led the Leopards with three assists.

Game Two: Leopards 16, Ventura College 7

After scoring four games in the season opener Castillo exploded for seven goals in the second game of the day, leading La Verne to an 11 point win. 

Hernandez was a force in front of the cage, snagging 15 saves in the game to go with a steal. Sample added three goals of his own in the win. Meza and Vega both found the back of the net twice.

Dario Mariani and Russum each chipped in a goal in the match.

Next Game: The Leopards next host the Inland Empire Classic this Saturday, September 9. La Verne will play a pair of games during the day, first against Concordia (Cal.) at 9 a.m. followed by a game at noon against Cal Baptist.