The University of Redlands women's water polo team took on the University of La Verne Leopards on Wednesday afternoon in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) match.  The Bulldogs worked to overcome an early deficit but struggled to make up the difference in a 7-12 loss.

The teams traded to scores to open the contest, with senior utility player Annie Kinney (Newport Beach, CA) firing off the Bulldogs' first goal of the game.

Unfortunately, the Maroon and Gray hit a cold stretch on offense, which led to a 1-4 deficit after the first period. 

However, Redlands clawed its way back to make it a one-score game early in the second stanza, as senior utility player Taylor Christie (Anaheim, CA) and freshman attack player Breanna O'Dea (Rowland Heights, CA) uncorked back-to-back netters for the visitors.

Another offensive outburst by the Leopards forced the Bulldogs to play catch-up, with O'Dea notching a goal late in the period to make it 4-7.

Both teams stepped up their defensive efforts during the third stanza, as each was held to just one score.  Freshman attack player Sami Walker (Taylorsville, UT) accounted for the Bulldogs' goal during this stretch.

The fourth frame saw the Leopards respond with a 4-2 offensive run to put the game out of reach for the Maroon and Gray.  Kinney and freshman utility player Rachel Nelson (San Juan Capistrano, CA) provided one goal apiece in the final eight minutes.

Senior goalkeeper AC Lopez (Northridge, CA) patrolled the Redlands cage, making two stops in the game.

Redlands (6-22, 2-5 SCIAC) heads to Occidental College on Saturday, April 16, for its final dual-match of the season, which is slated for 11 a.m. in Eagle Rock.