CLAREMONT, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team stayed close with the Stags early, trailing 3-2 at the end of the first period. But a six-goal second quarter by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps put the game away and the Leopards fell 15-4 in their SCIAC opener.

Season Impact

• The Leopards now stand at 3-6 overall and 0-1 in conference action
• The Stags improve to 5-5 overall and 2-0 in SCIAC play

Stat Leaders

La Verne

• Charles Ortega — 2 goals, 2 steals
• Guillermo Ocasio — 1 goal, 1 steal
• Michael Staine — 1 goal
• Alam Barnuevo — 1 assist
• Rex Sample — 2 steals, 1 assist
• Ryan Lehotsky — 3 saves, 1 steal

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps

• Will Clark — 3 goals, 2 steals, 1 assist
• Ethan Lewis — 3 goals, 1 steal, 1 assist
• Zack Rossman — 2 goals, 1 assist
• Matt Tran — 7 saves

The Details

• The Leopards tied the game 2-2 with 1:20 left in the first quarter off Staine's goal
• CMS took the lead for good when Nick Britt scored with 37 seconds left in the first quarter
• The Stags went on a 6-1 run in the second quarter to pull away

Next Game

• La Verne plays their SCIAC opener on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Occidental