by Monica Garcia Silva

LA VERNE, Calif. - The University of La Verne men's water polo team started their 2023 Gary Troyer tournament experience with a win against Fresno Pacific University. 
 
The game began with an upsurge of activity as both teams fought for an early lead. Nicolo Buono of La Verne scored the game's first goal at 7:46 of the first period to get matters underway. Fresno Pacific responded quickly making their presence felt. A high-intensity goal exchange persisted in the first half, with La Verne's Peter Trinh contributing three goals in the first half. La Verne led 7-4  at the midway point.
 
The sense of urgency in the pool persisted as the last quarter played out with La Verne outscoring the Sunbirds 4-1. Jordan Baker and Peter Trinh of La Verne kept up their strong presence and scored crucial goals throughout. The Leopards' paramount fourth-quarter game-winning goal by Baker secured a La Verne victory 13-12.
 
Trinh scored five goals to lead the La Verne squad in scoring. Eric Bates, the goaltender for La Verne, contributed greatly with five stops, which were essential in maintaining the team's razer thin advantage.
 
Next Game: The Leopards will end Day 1 of tournament play today at 5:40 p.m. against Mt. St Mary's University at Las Flores Pool.