LA VERNE, CA — Shelby Garcia was stellar in the cage and the University of La Verne women's water polo team outlasted the visiting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas for a 7-6 overtime win on Saturday.

In the first overtime period, the Athenas got called for a five-meter penalty setting up Guarina Garcia for a chance to put the Leopards up. The senior came through, skipping a shot past the goalie to put the Leopards up. La Verne blanked CMS in the extra frames.

Shelby Garcia had one of her best games of the season for the Leopards. The junior racked up 11 saves including a pair of penalty shots and a breakaway 1-1 attempt.

Postgame with Garcia

POSTGAME: Shelby Garcia talks about her outstanding performance and WWP's overtime win against CMS #NCAAWPolo pic.twitter.com/155Ov1P7Hq

— La Verne Leopards (@ULVAthletics) March 16, 2019

Guarina Garcia led the Leopards with three goals and a steal. Jassmine Kezman with a pair of goals including a power play attempt with 1:09 left to pay to even the game.

Ilene Guerrero and Christine Castrellon both scored once. Jordan Ehara added two assists.

Alex Szymczak and Aracelia Aldrete led the Athenas with two goals apiece.

View this post on Instagram

@ulvpolo wins in OT! #ncaawpolo

A post shared by La Verne Leopards (@ulvathletics) on Mar 16, 2019 at 1:20pm PDT

Season Impact

La Verne improves to 4-8 overall and 2-3 in SCIAC play. The Athenas fall to 4-10 overall and 2-3 in the conference.

Next Game

The Leopards take a break from SCIAC action and head north for a pair of games. The Leopards will first take on Fresno Pacific at 6:30 p.m. on March 19 and then head to Hayward the next day to take on Cal State East Bay at 2 p.m.