LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team couldn't overcome a slow start, falling to the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen 16-7 Saturday morning.

Guillermo Ocasio led La Verne with two goals, four steals, and an assist. Peter Trinh, Jason Soo Hoo, Cody Lehotsky, and Michale Staine each scored once. 

Danilo Lugli finished with two assists with Trinh and Soo Hoo each adding one.

Cal Luthern was led by Ben Brown's three goals.

The Kingsmen rolled early, jumping out to a 4-1 first quarter lead before taking a 9-3 win into the half. La Verne showed some life in the third quarter, matching the Kingsmen's three goals but couldn't erase the deficit. 

La Verne falls to 2-9 overall and 0-3 in SCIAC play. Cal Lutheran improves to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

The Leopards travel to Whittier on Wednesday, September 29 for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Poets.