WHITTIER, Calif. — The University of La Verne women's water polo team could not overcome Whittier's offensive explosion in the second quarter in a 12-8 loss on Saturday at Slade Aquatic Center.

La Verne finishes the SCIAC regular season 6-2 (16-5 overall). Whittier improves to 23-7 overall and 8-0 in the SCIAC.

The Leopards can still claim the SCIAC Championship and the SCIAC's automatic berth to the NCAA playoffs if they win the SCIAC Postseason Tournament.

The teams traded three goals apiece in the opening frame but the Poets blanked La Verne, 5-0, in the second quarter to grab control.

The Leopards regrouped in the third quarter to trim the deficit to three goal as Megan Little opened the second half scoring at the 6:54 mark, Stephanie Rosero found the back of the net and Jasmine Bustamante scored one.

But the Poets turned the tide once again with two unanswered goals to start the fourth and held on for the win.

Rosero finished with two goals to lead the Leopards. Candice Vorbeck, Megan Little, Jasmine Bustamante and Ardelle Aquino each added one.

The Leopards are back in action next weekend at the SCIAC Postseason Tournament at Redlands.