LOS ANGELES — The Leopards overcame a three-goal fourth-quarter deficit, scored the only goal in the second overtime period, and the University of La Verne women's water polo team beat Occidental 13-12 in a wild finish.

Trailing 9-8 with under a minute remaining, Reiley Burton fed a pass inside to Olivia Taylor who quickly turned and drilled a shot to the far corner to even the score.

The Leopards looked set to claim the comeback win in regulation. This time it was Burton who hurled a shot from well outside the five-meter line and banked off the crossbar and in, with just seven seconds remaining.

The excitement was short-lived. After a timeout, Occidental goalie Alexandra Moye let a shot fly from half and somehow found the back of the net to force overtime.

The squads traded a pair of goals in the opening overtime period with both teams again finding ways to score in the final minute. 

Sophomore Maddie Grove scored the difference maker early in the second overtime period. Grove gathered a loose ball, spun away from the defender, and beat the goalie to the nearside corner. Grove finished with two goals

Taylor scored a season-high six goals in the win. She willed the Leopards back into the game scoring four goals during a La Verne 6-2 run. Taylor also drew three exclusions and added two steals.

Kelly Jackson finished with five saves. 

Burton finished with three goals. Brooklyn Young and Sumi Rudisky each scored once. 

La Verne improves to 7-14 overall and 6-5 in the SCIAC.

The Leopards travel to Whittier to face the Poets on Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m.