LA VERNE, CA — In front of a crowd of Leopard alumni the University of La Verne women's water polo team defeated the Whittier College Poets in a crucial 13-11 win Saturday afternoon at Las Flores Park.

Senior Reiley Burton led the Leopards with five goals, two drawn exclusions, one assist, and one steal. Freshman goalie Miranda Graham tied a career high 11 saves and added one assist and one steal.

The Leopards recovered from an early 3-1 hole when Kelly Long, Burton, and Nancy Trihn responded with three-straight goals to take a 4-3 lead midway through the second quarter. La Verne held on to a 6-5 lead at the break with Maya De Guzman and Burton each netting shots.

Brianna Zapata led a 5-0 Leopard surge to end the third and start the fourth to put La Verne up 12-10. The Poets rallied late but La Verne held on for the win. 

Trinh and De Guzman finished with two goals. De Guzman added two assists.

The Leopards improve to 2-1 in the SCIAC and 3-11 overall. The Poets dropped to 1-4 in conference play and 2-15 overall.

La Verne hit the road on Wednesday, March 19 for a 7 p.m. game at Redlands.