On the final day of the NAIA National Water Polo Championships in Riverside, Fresno Pacific gave nationally ranked #15 Cal Baptist quite a scare before falling 14-11. The team then went out on a winning note, defeating Vanguard 14-11.
“I'm very happy with the way we played this weekend," said coach Bryan Suhovy, who was encouraged by his teams performance on the weekend as well as their improvement over the course of the season. "It's been a rebuilding year for us, with a lot of young guys filling in some big shoes. We've come a long way since day one.”
FPU played a solid game against Vanguard, with Evan Baird leading the way with five goals. Chris Maldonado and Krisztian Kovacs each added a pair of goals. Riley Warner had seven saves.
After a tied first quarter, Fresno Pacific had a flurry of offense in the second to go up 10-4. Baird had half of the Sunbirds' first half scores.
The third quarter saw Vanguard respond with two goals. In the fourth, the Lions would outscore the Sunbirds 5-4, but the late effort wouldn't be enough as the Sunbirds captured the 14-11 win.
Fresno Pacific gave #15 Cal Baptist all they could handle before falling 14-11. Solid defense and a patient offensive attack were key as the Sunbirds played one of their best games of the season.
Baird, Kovacs, and Glenn Lyon all had three goals, while Maldonado and Brad Babcock each added one a piece. Warner had 12 saves and three steals.
FPU opened up the scoring, as Lyon put in the first goal. The Lancers would respond, going ahead to take a 3-2 lead after the first quarter.
CBU capitalized on several counter-attack and man-up opportunities in the second quarter, outscoring FPU 6-3 to go up 9-5 at the half.
The Sunbirds rallied in the second half, matching the Lancers' three goals in the third quarter to keep the game close at 8-12.
Fresno Pacific would outscore the Lancers in the fourth, 3-2, but the final effort wouldn't be enough, as the Lancers got away with the 14-11 victory.
The game was a marked improvement for the Sunbirds, considering their 17-5 loss to Cal Baptist less than three weeks ago.
"It was the best we've played them," said captain Maldonado. "We had solid defense and great offense, especially in the fourth quarter."
"It was a great way to go out, having played Cal Baptist for the past four years," said senior Raymond Eggert. "I'm really proud of the guys. We played great."
Warner earned first team all-tourney honors. Lyon and Eggert received second team honors.
