Photo by Emily Gosdanian

LA VERNE, CA — Charles Ortega led all players with five goals, Ryan Lehotsky, Joey Sabers and Rex Sample each scored twice, and the University of La Verne men's water polo dominated on their way to a 14-7 win over Austin College Friday afternoon.

Season Impact: With the win, La Verne improves to 8-14 overall. The Kangaroos fall to 1-10 overall.

Tied 2-2 at the end of the first period, the Leopards rallied off five goals in the second to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Ortega scored three of his five goals during the stretch, including a buzzer beater to give La Verne a 7-4 halftime lead. 

Wesley Hovanesian finished with three steals, two assists, and a goal. Ortega dished out two assists of his own and added three steals.

Brian Wilder picked up the win in the cage leading the Leopards with five saves. Jose Lopez grabbed two saves in a quarter of work. Mason Fox jumped in for the fourth quarter, finishing with two steals.

Domenic D'Andrea totaled one goal and one assist. Michael Staine scored once. Evan Monterroso finished with two assists with Dario Mariani and Charles Lewandowski each adding assist one apiece.

Next Game

The Leopards get back to SCIAC action tomorrow with a doubleheader. The Leopards open the day at home with an 11 a.m. game against Redlands. They then travel down the road to face Pomona-Pitzer at 4 p.m.