Photo By Shira Oneal-Abend

LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team opened the 2021 season with a pair of tough opponents. On Saturday, the Leopards traveled to Division I power USC, falling on the road 28-5, and played their home opener on Sunday against junior college squad West Valley, dropping the game 22-12.

Alam Barnuevo and Peter Trinh led the Leopards with four goals apiece over the two games. Barnuevo added two assists and two goals with Trinh adding one of each.

Cody Lehotsky scored twice and assisted one goal. Danilo Lugli, Michael Staine, Gage Unsoeld, Asher Kocalis, and Brandon Pham each scored once. Staine added two steals.

Ryan Lehotsky finished the weekend with 20 saves and Jonah Alvarado added three of his own.

Next Up

The Leopards return to action this weekend with a four-game slate as they cohost the Inland Empire Classic. La Verne will face Ottawa University (9:00 am.) and Concordia Irvine (1:20 p.m.) on Saturday. They close out the weekend with games against UC Santa Barbara (10:15 a.m.) and Fresno Pacific (2:45 p.m.) on Sunday.