LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team rallied in the second quarter to cut the halftime deficit to just three goals, but the visiting Occidental Tigers surged ahead in the second half to beat the Leopards 24-14.

The Leopards were led by Alam Barnuevo's four goals and two assists. The junior also drew eight exclusions in the effort and added one steal.

Peter Trinh kept the Tigers on their toes all game, totaling three goals with four assists, and two drawn exclusions.

Guillermo Ocasio found the back of the net three times, Cody Lehotsky scored twice, and both Tristan Tippet and Michael Staine scored one goal.

Occidental was led by Cian Concannon's six goals and Aiden Cawley's five goals.

After falling behind 6-3 after the first eight minutes of play, the Leopards battled with a pair of goals by Trinh and one apiece from Lehotsky and Tippet in the second quarter to put the score at 10-7. 

The Tigers responded with a big third quarter, outscoring La Verne 8-1 in the period to take a commanding 18-8 lead heading into the final frame. The Leopards were able to get their offense rolling in the fourth quarter scoring eight times but couldn't slow down the Tigers' attack.

The Leopards move to 1-7 on the year and the Tigers improve to 3-6.

Next Game

The Leopards continue the action at Las Flores Park later today when they host the Westcliff Warriors at 4 p.m.