LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne women's water polo team fell to Whittier, 14-8, in the final home games of the season at La Verne Aquatics Center on Saturday.
La Verne played evenly with Whittier in the second half, but a sluggish start cost the Leopards. Whittier put in nine goals in the first half while La Verne managed three, and the Poets extended the lead further in the third quarter by shutting out the Leopards in the frame.
The Leopards scored a flurry of goals late, but it was too little, too late. Amber Tardif netted two goals to cut the lead to 11-5 and Kimberly Lopez, Lora Marquez-Salgado and Catie Tuning each chipped in one in the final quarter.
Tuning and Tardif each had two goals to lead the Leopards.
Whittier's Cynthia Castillo scored four to lead all players.
Prior to the start of the game, the Leopards celebrated the careers of their six seniors with a brief ceremony. Seniors Lopez, Tardif, Carly Ashen, Sarah Jefferis, Lopez, Maddie Lovrensky and Jacqueline Rojas ere announced with special introductions and were presented with gifts by the staff.
Whittier vs. La Verne
April 18, 2015 - La Verne, Calif.
LV 2 - 1 - 0 - 5 = 8
WC 5 - 4 - 2 - 3 = 14
SCORING:
LV -- Catie Tuning 2, Amber Tardif 2, Kimberly Lopez, Lora Marquez-Salgado, Megan Little, Emily Randall.
WC -- Cynthia Castillo 5, Isabella Gorrocino 3, Jenel Rivera 3, Arlin De La Mora, Hayley Parker, Hannah Ellett, Melissa, Pinlac.
SAVES: Hailey Westwood (LV) 6, Caitlin Bronzan (WC) 3
