CLAREMONT, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team ended the 2024 Inland Empire Tournament with two impressive wins.
La Verne finished the weekend 2-2 with victories over NCAA Division II Fresno Pacific, 13-11, and NAIA Ottawa Arizona, 15-10. The Leopards' only losses were to ranked NCAA Division 1 opponents No. 12 UC Santa Barbara (25-9) and No. 20 Cal Baptist (25-6).
Peter Trinh netted 20 goals and tied a team-high three assists for 20 points. Trinh also drew seven exclusions and added six steals. He saved his best for last, scoring six goals with two assists against Ottawa. He scored three goals with two steals and an assist in the Leopards' win over Fresno Pacific.
Eric Bates finished the tournament with 35 saves. He was clutch against Ottawa, grabbing 15 saves with a steal to spur the Leopards to a win. He totaled nine saves and one steal versus Fresno Pacific. Bates added five saves in a half against UCSB and six saves in 16 minutes against Cal Baptist.
Alam Chang-Barnuevo finished with 10 goals including five against Fresno Pacific and three over Ottawa.
Jordan Baker led the Leopards with seven saves, four against Ottawa, and six goals.
Jaden Javier finished with four goals and four steals.
Sawyer Nering dished three assists and
David Gutierrez scored twice.
Damien Lopez, Nico Buono,
Logan Haberle, and
Vaughn Freiermuth scored once.
La Verne improves to 2-4 overall. The Leopards hit the road next to Colorado Springs where the Air Force Academy will host the Rare Air Challenge. The Leopards open on Saturday, September 21 against Concordia Irvine and Iona. The next day they'll face Augustana and Cerritos.
