LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's water polo team showed stretches of strong offensive play, but an early surge from Claremont-Mudd-Scripps proved too much to overcome in the final conference matchup on Saturday, falling 18-9.

The Leopards opened with two goals in the first quarter, but CMS capitalized on early opportunities to take a 6-2 advantage after eight minutes. La Verne responded with a resilient second frame, matching the Stags with three goals to head into halftime trailing 9-5.

Out of the break, La Verne continued to battle, adding three more goals in the third quarter. However, CMS managed to extend its lead with a six-goal period that created a gap the Leopards couldn't close.

La Verne added one final goal in the fourth while holding the Stags to three, finishing the game with a strong defensive effort. 

Josh Lamberton powered the Leopards with a five-goal performance, consistently finding space inside and delivering key finishes. Jordan Baker added two goals of his own and set up another with an assist, giving the Leopards an additional spark on the attack.

Zachariah Barclay helped facilitate the offense, recording two assists, while Timothy Robels and William Roby-Unkovich also chipped in with a goal each.

Lamberton finished his stellar season scoring his 100th goal which puts him in first in the conference for the season. Jordan Baker and Timothy Robles also had notable seasons finishing seventh and eighth respectively with 60 and 58 goals. Baker also finished with 59 assists, good for second in the conference.

The Leopards finished the 2025 season 9-18 overall and eighth place in the SCIAC with a 2-10 conference record.