LA VERNE, CA — After starting the season with 13 road games, the University of La Verne men's water polo team played their home opener against the Chapman Panthers, falling 19-15

Jordan Baker led the Leopards with five goals and an assist. Alam Chang-Barnuevo and Peter Trinh each scored twice with two assists. 

After heading into the half down 11-4, the Leopards stormed back in the third quarter with a 4-0 run. David Gutierrez started the surge just over 30 seconds into the period and then Eric Bates followed with a big-time save on a Chapman penalty shot. Bates finished the game with 12 saves. 

The Leopards then took advantage of Chapman exclusions to cut the deficit. Baker scored on a penalty shot, Nicolo Buono scored next on a powerplay, and Trinh ended the run with another penalty goal. Baker put the score at 12-10 with 2:52 left in the quarter and after a Panthers' goal again got the Leopards to within two with 1:10 remaining in the period. La Verne outscored Chapman 7-3 in the third.

The squads traded goals in the fourth but La Verne couldn't close the gap.

Buono finished with two goals and an assist. Vaughn Freiermuth scored during the third-quarter onslaught and dished out one assist. Baker led the Leopards with three steals.

The Leopards next co-host the annual Gary Troyer Tournament. On Friday La Verne plays UC Merced at 12:20 p.m. and Johns Hopkins at 5:40 p.m. On Saturday the Leopards will face Air Force at 9 a.m. and Connecticut College at 3:40 p.m.