LA VERNE, CA — Charles Ortega led all players with five goals, Guillermo Ocasio added four goals, and the University of La Verne's men's water polo team pulled away in the third quarter on their way to an 18-10 win over Occidental win Saturday afternoon.

Season Impact

With the win in their SCIAC home opener, the Leopards improve to 4-6 overall and 1-1 in conference action. 

The Tigers drop to 4-4 and 0-2 in SCIAC play.

After the Tigers scored to open the second half and cut the Leopards lead to 8-7, Ortega responded with back-to-back goals, leading a 6-0 run by La Verne that extended to the fourth quarter. Ortega added four steals and two assists.

Ocasio got going early in the game, scoring three of his goals in the first half.

Vasil Halchev had a big game for La Verne, finishing with three goals and an assist. Rex Sample added two goals and one assist.

Brian Wilder had a big performance in the cage. The junior finished with 12 saves and two steals.

Joey Sabers totaled two assists and one goal, and Alam Barnuevo dished out a pair of assists. Gage Unsoeld, Cristian Gonzalez, and Myles Storms each found the back of the net once.

Occidental was led by Nicolas Lipari's two goals. 

Next Game

The Leopards play their final regular-season tournament of the year next weekend when they host the annual Gary Troyer Tournament. The Leopards open the weekend on Friday with a 11 a.m. game against Chapman.