by Ryan MacDonald
Staff Writer
Demonstrating an impressive ability to compete on a national level, the University of La Verne men’s water polo team defeated two nationally ranked squads on Friday Sept. 15, improving its record to 7-1.
The Leopards played with intensity, dominating their first opponent no. 13 ranked UC Davis winning the game 9-6. Following their first victory, the Leopards successfully completed the doubleheader with another victory over no. 9 ranked Navy, 9-6.
“Honestly, we didn’t play that well vs. Davis,” said head coach Tim Hugar. “However, we played outstanding vs. the Navy. We had tight team defense and we were very disciplined in making good decisions. We played a lot smarter in our second game.”
In the first game, the Leopards established an early lead in the first quarter, 3-1, and the team continued to play strong through the first half to extend their lead to 5-3. Leading the team’s scoring with four goals was team captain Kenny Clements, followed by junior transfer Alan Shumway with two goals.
“We are impressing ourselves with the way we are coming together as a team,” said junior Rey Lopez. “We are playing stronger throughout the games, with many players contributing to the victory.”
The Leopards outscored and outplayed Davis in every quarter, and it provided them with a 9-6 victory.
In the second game vs. the Navy, Shumway led the team with four goals, coupled with numerous saves by goalie John Steifling, the Leopards dominated the first half, 5-3.
Positioning themselves toward victory by employing offensive strategies and team defense, the Leopards outplayed the Navy. Supporting the team’s first half domination was Clements, whose offensive play was key to the La Verne victory.
“We played good team water polo,” said Clements. “It was one of the smartest games we’ve ever played. We were patient and we never backed down.”
Opening the third quarter with consistent shot making, the Leopards extended their lead to 7-4. The Leopards maintained their high level of play into the fourth quarter, placing themselves safely ahead, 9-4.
The Navy posted two more goals in the fourth; however, it was not enough to threaten the Leopards’ victory.
“This year, we know how to come together as a competitive team and finish a game,” said Lopez. “In previous years, we wouldn’t close the victory, but this year we remain mentally and physically strong throughout the entire game.”
Out of the water because of injury, senior team captain Fred Sicard watched the games and approved of the team’s performance.
“The expectations were very high, and once I got hurt, I thought the level of play was going to drop,” said Sicard. “But these guys are playing so well.”
Looking toward the rest of the season and the start of conference play, Hugar was optimistic about the team’s chances on improving and competing at high levels.
“It’s my hope that we get better. It’s too early, and I don’t want to set expectations or limitations. We can’t rest on that. Our edge is that we are hungry, and we don’t want to lose one of our biggest edges by losing focus,” he said.
On Saturday the Leopards lost their second game of the season to Princeton, 6-5. Battling back from a 5-1 deficit, the Leopards gave Princeton a fight until the last seconds of the game, when a loose ball was tipped into La Verne’s goal.
The Leopards, who are ranked first in Division III and 18th in the nation, play the Air Force on Oct. 1.
