RIVERSIDE, CA — The University of La Verne women's water polo team opened the season with a dominant 21-9 win in a non-conference game against the University of Redlands at the CBU Mini Tournament.

Brianna Zapata made a statement in her return to the pool, scoring five goals, adding three steals, and dishing out an assist. Olivia Taylor scored five goals and had one assist.

The game was never in question. La Verne opened the game on a 6-1 run to take advantage for good. Zapata and Reiley Burton netted two goals apiece during the run and freshman Maya De Guzman capped off the surge.

The Leopards scored seven more goals in the second to take a 14-5 lead at the half.

Burton finished with three goals. Maddie Grove led the Leopards with three assists to go with three steals. Miranda Graham grabbed five saves in her debut in the cage. 

Nancy Trinh, Gigi Gomez, Porsche Double, Brooklyn Young, Madison Coss, and Payge Miller each scored once.

"It felt great to get our first win. We're still getting in shape and will continue to get better," said Interim Head Coach Robert Echeverria.

La Verne fell to NCAA Division I Cal Baptist 27-10 to end the day. Burton led the Leopards with three goals, and Zapata and Gomez both scored twice.

The Leopards play their home opener this Friday when they host NCAA Division II on Friday, January 31 at 4 p.m.