WHITTIER, CA — The Leopards held a 4-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter Wednesday night at Whittier College. But the Poets surged for six goals in the final period to defeat the University of La Verne women's water polo team 9-5.

Brooklyn Young led the Leopards with three goals and added one drawn exclusion. Reigning SCIAC Defender of the Week, Miranda Graham, finished with seven saves.

The Leopards went on a 3-0 run late in the second quarter and into the third off goals by Nancy Trinh, Maya De Guzman, and Young to take a 4-2 advantage. Whittier's Paula Fernandez quickly responded to make it a one-goal game entering the final eight minutes. De Guzman finished with two drawn exclusions and an assist.

The Poets started the fourth quarter on a 5-0 run to jump ahead 8-5 before Young was able to notch her third goal of the game with just under two minutes to play. Young has scored three or more goals six times this season.

Next Game

The Leopards head to Orange to play the Chapman University Panthers on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m.