LA VERNE, CA — The Leopards played tough defense in the second half and mounted a big fourth-quarter comeback attempt against the visiting Chapman Panthers. But the late game effort came up short as the University of La Verne men's water polo tem fell 12-14.

Eric Bates had 15 saves in the cage for La Verne as the Leopards allowed just four second-half goals and just one in the fourth quarter. Ryan Beery and Peter Trinh led the offensive effort, each netting four goals. They also showed up big defensively, recording three steals apiece and combining four three field blocks.

Trailing 10-6 entering the third quarter, La Verne stepped up defensively and held Chapman scoreless for most of the period. The Panthers equaled the Leopards' stubborn defense, keeping the period scoreless until they scored three goals late in the quarter. A goal by Trinh made the score 13-7 entering the final eight minutes.

La Verne went on a run in the fourth, scoring three goals to cut the deficit to 13-10. After Chapman extended their lead back to four, Trinh quickly responded with a goal with 3:06 to play. But the Leopards ran out of time and could only manage one more goal from Beery.

"It was a little frustrating in the first quarter. We didn't adjust like we thought we were going to. But our second-half defense was kind of phenomenal. That stretch of like six minutes in the third quarter where it was a scoreless game with Bates making repeatedly exciting stops. But we can't give someone six in the first and try to claw back," said University of La Verne men's water polo head coach Pat Beemer.

Jordan Baker had a big game, finishing with three goals and three steals. Jaden Javier and Trinh added two assists.

"We need to come out harder. We've demonstrated that we can compete with everybody but sometimes we have a mental breakdown in the first quarter and then lock in and start to play, we need to play the entire four," said Beemer.

The Leopards have two games remaining in the 2023 season. They'll travel to Cal Lutheran next Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. before celebrating Senior Day at home on Saturday, November 11, ahead of an 11 a.m. matchup against Whittier College.