LA VERNE, Calif. — Joshua Vega and Rex Sample each finished with a hat-trick, but the University of La Verne men's water polo team couldn't overcome a first quarter deficit, falling to the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen 13-9 Wednesday afternoon. 

Rey Julian Castillo added two goals and Joey Sabers scored once.

Jason Russum, Evan Monterroso, Jeremy Rocha, Castillo, Sabers, and Sample each added an assist.

Sabers led La Verne with four steals. 

Brian Wilder finished with five saves and a steal.

Cal Lutheran was led by Chris Garhouse's five goals.

The Kingsmen took an early 6-3 lead after the first quarter of play and took a 9-4 lead into halftime.

The Leopards responded with four goals in the third quarter but couldn't close the deficit. 

Season Impact: The Leopards drop to 5-14 overall and 2-8 in the SCIAC. Cal Lutheran improves to 11-11 overall and 5-5 in the conference. 

Next Game: The Leopards travel to Whittier on Saturday to play the Poets at 11 a.m.