LA VERNE, CA — The Leopards closed out strong against Austin College, jumped out to a big early lead against Washington and Jefferson, and the University of La Verne men's water polo team earned a pair of nonconference wins on Sunday.
La Verne 17, Austin College 12
Alam Barnuevo had a huge game for the Leopards against the Kangaroos. The freshman from Whittier dominated the game, scoring six goals in the win to go with one steal and one assist. He scored two of his goals in the fourth quarter as part of a 6-3 period for La Verne.
Ryan Lehotsky had a huge game in the cage for the Leopards. The sophomore finished with 15 saves and one steal to lead La Verne in the win.
Charles Ortega, Myles Storms, and Rex Sample each finished with a pair of goals. Sample added two steals and an assist, and Storms contributed one assist.
Newcomer Kristofer Grigorian netted one goal for the Leopards. Guillermo Ocasio led all players with three assists and added one goal and one steal. Vasil Halchev scored once for the Leopards.
Will Koelzer and Alex Rodriguez each scored three goals for the Kangaroos.
La Verne 13, Washington and Jefferson 6
The Leopards jumped out to a 6-2 lead after the first quarter and entered the final period up 11-2 as La Verne closed out a dominating Sunday with its second win of the day.
It was Ocasio the second time around who led the Leopards offensively. The junior netted four goals in the win with three of them coming in the first quarter.
Ortega had a big all-around game. The senior totaled three goals, two assists, and one steal in the win.
Halchev added a hat-trick of his own to go with one steal. Storms shined on both ends of the pool, registering two goals, two steals, and one assist.
Jonah Alvarado picked up the win in his start at goalie. The freshman from Glendora finished with five saves. Mason Fox jumped in front of the cage in the second half and totaled seven saves.
Barnuevo ended his day with one goal and one assist.
Season Impact
With the wins, the Leopards improve to 6-12 overall.
Next Game
La Verne returns to SCIAC play on Wednesday with a 7 p.m. game at Caltech.
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