LA VERNE, Calif. — The La Verne women's water polo team played smothering defense en route to a 9-3 victory over Redlands on Wednesday at Las Flores Park. La Verne finishes the regular season 12-9 overall and 6-2 in SCIAC play while remaining in contention for the SCIAC championship.
La Verne's defense was clicking from the start and the Leopards recorded a staggering 15 takeaways on the game. Leading the way on defense was Ardelle Aquino and Guarina Garcia, who combined for nine steals.
Megan Little led the attack with three goals and an assist. Stephanie Rosero notched two goals. Jasmine Bustamante and Aquino each registered a goal and a pair of assists.
The game started evenly as La Verne grabbed a slim one-goal lead after the first quarter but the Leopards outscored the Bulldogs 6-1 in the final three frames to run away with the win.
Victoria Mezack scored the lone goal of the second quarter to give the Leopards a 4-2 lead at half and La Verne extended the lead to four goals as Bustamante and Little found the net to start the third period.
Olivia Allen stemmed the tide for the Bulldogs with a goal late in the third but the Leopards pitched a shutout in the fourth quarter while Rosero, Little and Garcia all scored.
Jordan Ehara made three saves and had a steal in the cage for La Verne.
Katelyn Jenkins tallied 11 saves for Redlands.
The Leopards host the 2017 SCIAC Women's Water Polo Championships at Las Flores Park on April 21-23. Seedings and matchups will be finalized after Saturday's games.
