University of La Verne

CLAREMONT, CA — Down two goals in the fourth quarter, the University of La Verne men's water polo team rallied to force overtime. In the extra period, the Leopards again erased a two-goal deficit to force a golden goal period.

Despite giving first-place Pomona-Pitzer their biggest scare in conference action and playing one of their best games of the season, the Leopards fell just short of handing the Sagehens their first SCIAC loss, dropping the road match 20-19.

Freshman Zack Montoya played his best game of his career, leading La Verne with five goals off just eight shots to go with two steals and a drawn exclusion. The first year gave the Leopards a 14-12 lead with 2:01 to play in the third quarter.

Senior Goalie Henry De Luna had an outstanding performance. The keeper recorded a season-high 12 saves, giving the Leopards a chance at the upset win. De Luna added two steals and an assist.

Trailing 16-14 with under four minutes to play, Ethen Estephan sent a cross-pool pass to William Roby-Unkovich, who skipped a shot to the far corner to put La Verne within one. Less than a minute later, William Roby-Unkovich grabbed a pass down low and sent it back to Nicolo Buono, who fired in the equalizer. Buono ended with four goals, three steals, and an assist. Roby-Unkovich finished with two goals and two assists.

After Pomona-Pitzer regained the lead, the Leopards answered again. With less than 90 seconds left, Buono threw a dime to Timothy Robles in front of the net, and he darted in a shot without hesitation. Neither team could score the difference maker in the final minute.

In the first overtime period, the Sagehens took a 19-17 lead, but Robles helped turn the tide again. From the center position, he elevated and bounced a shot in to give the Leopards hope. Robles finished the game with a hat-trick, two drawn exclusions, and an assist.

La Verne shut out Pomona-Pitzer in the second overtime period, and with one minute remaining, Robles connected with Montoya to tie the game 19-19. The Sagehens won the sprint in sudden death and, on a power play, scored the game-winner.

Josh Lamberton scored two goals with two assists.

After falling behind 6-4 after the first eight minutes, the Leopards made a major response in the second quarter. Buono quickly got the Leopards' offense rolling, scoring 44 seconds into the period. The Leopards closed the quarter with a strong 3-1 run, with goals from Robles, Montoya, and Jordan Baker to head into the half tied 10-10. 

The Leopards return to action on Wednesday, November 4, for a 7 p.m. game at Redlands.