By Cyanna Rosa

The University of La Verne Women's Water Polo team displayed an impressive performance in their third conference game of the season against the Cal Lutheran Regals at Las Flores Park. Leading the charge in goals for the Leopards were Maddie Grove and Brianna Zapata. Jassmine Kezman led in assists, supporting at least four of the points on the scoreboard this sunny Saturday. The three ladies conquered the pool and led the Leopards to a successful morning. 

Zapata set the tone for the game, scoring the first point within the first two minutes of the sprint. This opened up a scoring streak for the Leopards, with Olivia Taylor and Nancy Trinh both scoring in the same minute of the first quarter. The team took full advantage of 5 out of 7 power plays, including Trinh's second goal less than two minutes before the quarter ended. Although the Regals eventually scored their first goal, it was too late to catch up, and Jassmine Kezman found the back of the net, bringing the quarter to a close with a score of 5-3.

The second quarter saw Taylor and Zapata continuing to score, and Abby Nunez made her first appearance on the scoreboard by crushing a powerplay opportunity. The third quarter provided the biggest opportunities for the Leopards to secure their victory, with Zapata and Nunez both scoring off power plays. Grove, a talented freshman, also contributed her first of many goals with 15 seconds left in the quarter, taking the score to 10-6.

In the final quarter, Grove scored once again within the first twenty seconds, displaying her impressive positioning skills. Kezman proved to be a valuable asset to the team, assisting in three goals throughout the game, including the last two goals by Zapata and Grove. With four minutes left of play, the Leopards maintained a solid lead of 13-7, securing their victory against the Regals. 13-10.

The team is set to continue their streak in a conference game against Pomona Pitzer on March 22nd at 7 PM PST.