University of La Verne

LA VERNE, CA — Peter Trinh netted a season-high seven goals and the University of La Verne men's water polo team rolled in the third quarter to a 15-6 win over Caltech Wednesday afternoon.

After trailing 3-2 at the end of the first quarter and heading into halftime tied 4-4, the Leopards came out firing in the third quarter. La Verne went on a 7-0 tear in the period to take an 11-4 lead and put any threat of an upset to bed.

Trinh scored four of his goals during the eight-minute stretch, getting the action going just over 30 seconds into the quarter. David Gutierrez, Jaden Javier, and Steven Rios scored to keep the momentum going. Gutierrez finished with two goals, two drawn exclusions, and one steal. Javier and Rios both added an assist. Trinh posted one assist and two steals.

Nicolo Buono put together a solid all-around performance. The Palm Desert native tallied two goals, two assists, three drawn exclusions, and one block. Not to be outdone, Freshman Nicholas Winsor also showcased his efforts on both ends of the pool. Winsor ended with one goal, one assist, one steal, and one block.

Eric Bates picked up the win in the cage, grabbing six saves and two steals. Angel Pena swapped in for the final five minutes and finished with two saves and a steal.

Jordan Baker and Alam-Chang Barnuevo tied for a game-high three assists apiece. Baker also led the Leopards with three steals. Chang-Barnuevo added one goal and one steal.

Sawyer Nering finished with one assist, and Nicholas Freiermuth grabbed one steal.

The Leopards grab their first SCIAC win and improve to 6-13 overall and 1-2 in the conference. La Verne hosts Claremont-Mudd-Scripps this Saturday at 11 a.m. as part of the 2024 homecoming festivities.