LA VERNE, CA — Sumi Rudisky and Reiley Burton found the back of the net in overtime, and the University of La Verne women's water polo team survived a close match at Caltech Wednesday night.

The Leopards improve to 4-1 in the SCIAC and 5-8 overall.

La Verne had a 14-12 lead with under 30 seconds to go but the Beavers snuck a goal in with 21 seconds left to play. With under 10 seconds remaining, Caltech forced a turnover and dished a pass to an open Beaver on the weak side to even the score at the buzzer.

After a scoreless first overtime period, Brooklyn Young took a shot that rattled off the crossbar. Rudisky quickly poked in the rebound to give La Verne the 15-14 lead. Rudisky kept the Leopards rolling seconds later, dishing to Burton, who fired a shot past the keeper to give La Verne a two-goal cushion.

Caltech got to within one, but the Leopards held on for the win.

Burton netted a career-high six goals in the win with two drawn exclusions. The La Verne native has been on a tear in SCIAC play, scoring 22 goals in five conference matches. 

Veteran Rudisky did it all, finishing with three goals, two assists, three drawn exclusions, and three steals.

Young handed out a team-high four assists with three steals and two goals. Maya Garcia-Hale added one goal and one assist. 

Kelly Jackson grabbed six saves and Katrina Hitchcock finished with four saves.

Next Game
La Verne continues SCIAC play in Eagle Rock on Saturday, March 23 when they play Occidental at 11 a.m.