REDLANDS, CA — The Leopards outscored the Bulldogs 9-1 in the second and third quarters to take a commanding 12-5 lead and the University of La Verne women's water polo team scored a key win at the University of Redlands Wednesday night.

Miranda Graham impressed in the cage. The freshman racked up a career-high 15 saves, in just three quarters of action. She took the game over in the third period, corralled six saves, and held the Bulldogs scoreless to place the momentum decisively on the Leopards' side. The Leopards played tough defense all night, keeping the Bulldogs to just 4-12 on power plays.

Reiley Burton scored a season-high five goals, including three penalty shots. She added two drawn exclusions and a steal. Briana Zapata dished a season-high four assists.

Nancy Trinh drew three exclusions and scored twice. Maddie Grove looked sharp in her return to the pool, scoring twice with one assist and one steal. Olivia Taylor netted two goals.

The Leopards had to dig themselves out of an early 4-3 hole after the opening eight minutes. La Verne responded with a 5-1 surge in the final five minutes of the second quarter led by a goal from Gigi Gomez, from which Redlands couldn't recover.

Kelly Long put the cap on the win with the Leopards' final goal. 

Season Impact

The Leopards improved to 3-1 in the SCIAC and are currently in fourth place in the conference. 

Next Game

La Verne will play against a tough Cal Lutheran squad this Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. in Thousand Oaks.