THOUSAND OAKS, CA — The University of La Verne women's water polo team wrapped up its 2025 season Tuesday afternoon with a 13-7 loss to Cal Lutheran in a SCIAC postseason matchup. The Leopards battled through three competitive quarters and were tied 5-5 at the half before the Regals pulled ahead in the fourth.

La Verne finishes the season with an overall record of 8-16 and a 7-5 mark in SCIAC play, tying for fourth in the conference standings.

Maddie Grove anchored the Leopards on both ends of the pool with two goals, one assist, four steals, and one drawn exclusion. Brooklyn Young also scored twice and added two drawn exclusions and a steal. Brianna Zapata matched them with two goals, an assist, a steal, and a block.

The Leopards came out strong defensively, holding Cal Lutheran scoreless for the final six minutes of the opening quarter. Grove got the Leopards on the board when she hustled to gather a rebound and sent a shot past the keeper to the nearside of the goal. Zapata's following goal gave La Verne a 2-1 advantage.

Gigi Gomez connected with Grove to put La Verne ahead 4-3 when Gomez sailed a pass across the pool, and Grove one-touched it in for the sleek goal. 

Reiley Burton gave her team a 4-2 lead with 5:20 left in the half, placing the momentum firmly on the Leopards' side. Burton finished the day with two assists and a goal. The Regals responded with two goals before Young put La Verne back on top with just over two minutes left in the half. But The Regals' Lauren Lohmeirer added the equalizer with 1:33 left in the quarter.

Cal Lutheran continued its momentum in the second half with two goals early. Zapata and Young each scored, but the Reglas held a 9-7 lead entering the final eight minutes. 

La Verne had chances in the final frame but couldn't convert.

Goalie Miranda Graham finished with nine saves and two steals. Olivia Taylor and Nancy Trinch each drew two exclusions, while Maya De Guzman added two steals and an assist. Gomez contributed one steal and one assist.