LA VERNE, CALIF. -- Grossmont College Water Polo player Eric Bates has been accepted to, and will play for, the University of La Verne (Division III, Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Leopards. 

The Santana product played for two years for the Griffins compiling a 26-15 record with a save percentage of .483 over 48 games in the Green and Gold. 

“I would say my time at Grossmont I had the best experience in water polo,” the sophomore said. "I’m glad I got to play for some of the best coaches and got to play alongside some of the best players I’ve ever played with. Everyone has been so supportive at Grossmont and helped me grow as a player to the best of my abilities. I am very excited to play for a Four-year program like La Verne and I’m excited to meet new people and gain more experience in this amazing sport.” 

The Leopards struggled last season with a 7-21 record and 0-10 in the SCIAC. 

The Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is made up of nine schools in the Greater Los Angeles area. Schools in the SCIAC are Pomona-Pitzer, Occidental, California Lutheran, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, University of Redlands, Chapman University, Whittier College, CalTech and La Verne.