LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's water polo team rallied late but it wasn't enough to overcome a slow start, falling to the second place Cal Lutheran Regals on Wednesday.

Season Impact

Since Redlands defeated Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 9-2 on Wednesday, even with the loss La Verne claims a spot in the SCIAC Postseason Tournament for the first time since the tournament moved a four-team format last season. To claim the three seed the Leopards need to beat Occidental, and Redlands needs to defeat Whittier on Saturday. If both the Poets and Leopards win on Saturday, La Verne will move to the four spot.

La Verne now stands at 10-13 overall and 8-5 in SCIAC play. The Regals, who had already locked up the two seed, ends the regular season at 19-8 overall and 12 -2 in the conference.

Stat Leaders

Guarina Garcia led all players with five goals, all five coming in the fourth quarter. Garcia also finished with a game-high five steals. 

Jassmine Kezman scored twice and added two steals. Kelly Reidel scored in the first quarter to end an early 3-0 run by Cal Lutheran.

Christine Castrellon and Victoria Mezack each added a steal. Goalie Shelby Garcia finished with nine saves and a steal.

Cal Lutheran was led by Bailey Meyers 15 saves and Jessica Diaz's four goals.

How It Happened

The Leopards had trouble getting going in the first three quarters of the game managing just two goals to head into the final minutes down 8-2.

La Verne finally went to work in the fourth with Garcia netting a pair of goals in the first minute of the period.

The Leopards continued to rally in the period, scoring six times in the quarter. But a pair of goals by Cal Lutheran put the game away.

Next Game

La Verne concludes the regular season this Saturday at 11 a.m. against Occidental. The Leopards will celebrate their seniors with a brief pregame ceremony.