LA VERNE, CA — Miranda Graham played big in the cage, Anika Nichols led the Leopards offensively, and the University of La Verne women's water polo team took down the Redlands Bulldogs 7-4 in a key SCIAC win Wednesday night.

With the win, the Leopards improve to 2-4 in SCIAC play and stay in firm contention for a spot in the SCIAC Tournament.

Graham finished with 12 saves, just one shy of her season high. She also added one steal and one assist.

Nichols scored four goals, drew three exclusions, and added two steals. She found the back of the net with just 24 seconds remaining in the third quarter to put the Leopards up by two and scored the lone goal in the fourth quarter.

Tied 2-2 after the first, the Leopards held the Bulldogs to just one goal and netted two shots of their own to take a 4-3 win at the half. The Bulldogs evened the game midway through the third, but Madison Coss gave the Leopards the lead for good 30 seconds later.

Kaitalin Smith and Brooklyn Young each added goals. Ally Ratto finished with one assist and one steal. 

The Leopards return to action this Saturday at 11 a.m. when they host first-place Pomona-Pitzer.