LOS ANGELES — Charles Ortega led the Leopards with five goals including the game winner and the University of La Verne men's water polo team held off a late surge by Occidental to score a 13-12 road win.

Season Impact

The Leopards improve to 7-13 overall and even their SCIAC record to 3-3. The Tigers drop to 10-8 overall and 0-6 in SCIAC play.

How It Happened

When the Leopards need a goal, Ortega has been the go-to man. Saturday was no different after the Tigers erased a four-goal fourth quarter deficit to tie the game 12-12. With the Leopards on a power play, Ortega had two shots on the goal, beating Occidental keeper Henry Grady on the second attempt to put his squad ahead. The junior leads the SCIAC with 60 goals.

The Leopards held off the Tigers' final two chances to leave Taylor Pool with the win.

Senior Jason Russum added a hat trick for the Leopards to go with three steals. Wesley Hovanesian and Rex Sample both grabbed four steals and scored one goal. 

Michael Staine scored twice and Joey Sabers led the Leopards with two assists. Ian Hernandez did his part in the cage, earning the win with 10 saves and two steals.

Occidental was led by Elijah Havens' four goals.

Conference Outlook

With the Leopards' win and a Whittier 7-6 loss to Redlands, the Leopards move into a tie for fourth place in the SCIAC with the Poets. With more than half of the SCIAC slate left to go, La Verne will have to continue to battle to secure a spot in the SCIAC Postseason Tournament.

Next Game

La Verne returns home next Thursday to host the Chapman Panthers at 4 p.m.

La Verne Aquatics 20th Anniversary

The Leopards will celebrate the 20th anniversary of La Verne Aquatics on January 26, 2019. Click here to learn more and to RSVP.