Despite a strong performance on Saturday, the University of La Verne women's water polo squad suffered a 12-6 defeat against Cal State East Bay and a 7-5 loss against fellow SCIAC opponent Whittier College Sunday at the Samuelson Aquatics Center.

The Leopards opened up the final day of Posada Royale Tournament action against Whittier College in another defensive battle that would be decided by fourth quarter Poet goals. Whittier started with a quick goal to open the match but La Verne fired off two consecutive goals courtesy of Stephanie Tuning and Sarah Jefferis to take a 2-1 lead.  However, the lead would be short lived, forcing the Leopards to play catch up.

Goals by Catie Tuning and Alexis Zamora would bring La Verne within one as the match headed into the final frame.  Whittier would react to the building Leopard momentum with two quick goals at the onset of the quarter, providing themselves with a cushion to hold on to as the match winded down.  Ryanne Bible would bring La Verne within one with her goal at the 3:15 mark but the Leopard offense would not ignite resulting in a 7-5 defeat.

The Leopards faced off against a potent Cal State East Bay offense in the second game and dropped a 12-6 decision.  La Verne would jump out and take an early 1-0 lead as Alex Gudeneau hit the back of the net.  East Bay would respond with four unanswered goals heading into the second quarter.  The second quarter of the match would prove to be pivotal as the La Verne would come within two when Gudeneau, Stephanie Tuning, and Nicole tuning provided a trio of goals, but late quarter goals would help East Bay pull ahead for good 12-6.

The Leopards are now 3-5 on the year and will resume action next weekend (March 8-9) at home competiing in the annual Claremont Convergence Tournament.  The Leopards begin with Virginia Military Institute followed by Caltech on Friday.