LA VERNE, CA — The Leopards rallied from down four late, and Anika Nichols tied the game 9-9 with six seconds remaining. But Occidental scored on an ensuing penalty shot to leave Las Flores Park with a 10-9 win over the University of La Verne women's water polo team.

Nichols led the Leopards with four goals, two drawn exclusions, one steal, and one assist. Senior Brooklyn Young scored twice, dished out two assists, and drew one exclusion.

Trailing 9-5 with just over three minutes to play, Dottie Barrera drew an exclusion to set up a power play for the Leopards. Madison Coss took advantage of the player-down and delivered the Leopards' first score of the quarter. 

Maya De Guzman then came up big on the other end of the pool, stealing the ball away, setting up a Young to Nichols connection to make it a two-goal game. After the squads traded turnovers, the Leopards came out of a 30-second timeout, and Nichols drew an exclusion with under a minute left in the game. The Leopards again benefited from the power play, this time with senior Nancy Trinh grabbing a pass from Coss and setting it to the back of the net.

With just six seconds to play, Nichols drew a five-meter penalty to set up the tying shot. But before La Verne could attempt the equalizer, the Leopards were called for a rare penalty for an illegal substitution, granting the Tigers a penalty shot after La Verne's attempt. Nichols scored on her five-meter to even the score 9-9, but the celebration was short-lived with Talia Thomas converting for the Tigers to give Oxy the win.

Ally Ratto also added a goal for the Leopards. Miranda Graham finished with a season-high 15 saves, matching her career best. Trinh and De Guzman record two steals apiece.

The Leopards celebrated seniors Renee Lopez, Maddie Grove, Trinh, and Young in a postgame ceremony.

Next Game

The Leopards will play their final home game of the season on Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m.