LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's water polo team put on a dramatic show in its 2020 home opener.
The Leopards battled all the way to sudden victory overtime and returning two-time All-American Jassmine Kezman came up clutch, scoring the game-winning to give La Verne a 13-12 win.
Jassmine Kezman scores in sudden victory to give La Verne women?s water polo a 13-12 home opening win! #GoLeos #ncaaWpolo pic.twitter.com/iGcf2fusOi
— La Verne Leopards (@ULVAthletics) February 2, 2020
Kezman led the Leopards with four goals, two steals, and an assist in the win. Nancy Trinh added a hat-trick and Sona Aghasaryan scored a pair of goals.
Sumi Rudisky finished with one goal, one assist, and two steals. Emilie Eastman totaled one goal and a steal, Sage Nowell scored once and dished out a game-high three assists, Nanea Mattson added steals and dished out one assist.
After Trinh gave the Leopards a 9-8 lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Sunbirds responded with two quick goals to take a 10-9 advantage.
La Verne responded with the biggest scoring run of the game, scoring three straight to take a two-goal lead with just over two minutes left to play. But Fresno Pacific answered with a goal from Sam Witt and Alex Jasso found the back of the net with 33 seconds left to send the game to overtime.
Neither team could take advantage in the first two overtime periods, sending the game to sudden victory. Fresno Pacific grabbed the opening possession of the frame and let off a shot on goal, but Shelby Garcia came up with one of her eight saves to keep La Verne alive.
On the ensuing possession, Kezmman got a hold of the ball, pump-faked, and then sent a dart to the back of the net to give La Verne the win.
POSTGAME: Kezman scored the game-winner in OT pic.twitter.com/eC3ogLcA4E
— La Verne Leopards (@ULVAthletics) February 2, 2020
After opening the season with three top-20 teams, the Leopards grab their first win of the season and improve to 3-1 overall. The Sunbirds fall to 0-6.
Next Game
The Leopards take a break for a couple of weeks before head getting back to action at the Macalester Invitational. La Verne opens up the invite on Saturday, February 22 with games against Monmouth Colege and Macalester and closes out the tournament the next day against Carthage and Macalester.
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