ORANGE, Calif — Jassmine Kezman and Jasmine Bustamante each scored three goals in the season opener and the University of La Verne women's water polo team rallied in the third quarter to get to within one of Chapman University.
But the Panthers extended their lead in the fourth quarter, beating the Leopards 13-10.
After La Verne went into the break down 7-3, the Leopards came out on fire in the second half, opening up the period with a 3-0 run with goals by Kexman, Yuri Ujifusa, and Victoria Mezack.
Kezman added her third goal of the night and Bustamante scored to put La Verne within one goal heading into the final eight minutes.
After the Panthers and Leopards traded goals to open the final period, Chapman's Audrey Hattori netted three goals in a row to seal the game.
Ujifusa finished with a pair of goals and Emily Mena added one of her own. Ujifusa also dished out a pair of assists. Ashley Bennet finished with a steal.
Goalie Shelby Garcia grabbed nine saves in the match.
Next Game: The Leopards open up the 2018 Convergence Tournament on Friday with a 12:20 game against Fresno Pacific and a 4:20 game against McKendree.
