LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team erased a two-goal halftime deficit in the third quarter and held on in the fourth to beat the visiting Long Island University Sharks 15-14 Wednesday afternoon.

Down 9-6 midway through the third quarter, the Leopards rallied, outscoring the Sharks 6-2 the rest of the period to take a 12-11 lead into the fourth quarter. Peter Trinh started the run, scoring two goals as part of his game-high five scores.

Jaden Javier and Nico Buono continued the run, scoring back-to-back goals to even the score, 10-10. After the Sharks briefly retook the lead, Trinh answered, scoring twice to put the Leopards 12-11.

The Sharks battled back, regaining momentum after scoring twice in the first minute of the fourth quarter to try to regain control of the game. But the Leopards responded impressively with two goals from Jordan Baker and another from Ryan Beery. The Sharks scored on a penalty shot with nine seconds remaining to put the final at 15-14.

The Leopards capitalized on Long Islands exclusions and penalties throughout the match, scoring four power-play goals and three penalty shots.

"We have some ups and downs, we had some today, but I was really happy that we could change that three-goal deficit, turn it around in the third quarter, and hang on for the win," said University of La Verne men's water polo head coach Pat Beemer.

Baker finished with four goals, five assists, and three steals in the win. Buono scored twice and had one steal. Jaden finished with two steals, two goals, and one assist. Eric Bates picked up seven crucial saves in the win. David Gutierrez added two steals.

La Verne improves to 4-14 overall, and the Sharks drop to 4-14. The Leopards return to SCIAC action at 4 p.m. tomorrow at home against Caltech.