WHITTIER, Calif. — The Poets took a 5-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and the University of La Verne men's Water polo team couldn't recover, falling 20-9 to Whittier on the road.

Rey Julian Castillo led the Leopards with four goals and three steals.

Jason Russum and Rex Sample each added two goals. Russum also added two steals.

Joshua Vega scored once.

Ian Hernandez got the start in the cage, adding eight saves and two steals in the match.

Hans Zdolsek and Cornelis Kriek each scored four times for the Poets.

Season Impact: La Verne drops to 5-15 overall and 2-9 in SCIAC play. First place Whittier improves to 14-10 overall and 10-1 in the conference.

Next Game: The Leopards next head to Pasadena on Wednesday, November 1 to face Caltech at 7 p.m. La Verne rolled over the Beavers earlier this year, 17-7.