Fresno Pacific began its 2010 season against the highest-ranked team the program has faced in its young history, falling to #5 UC Irvine 26-3 at the UCI Invitational in Irvine. The Sunbirds fared better in their second game of the day, but fell to #20 Cal Baptist 14-7.

FPU fell behind 7-1 after the first quarter of the first game and trailed 15-2 halfway through as the more experienced Anteaters established their gameplan.

Senior Evan Baird scored all three goals for the Sunbirds. Doug Lindsey scored five goals to lead UCI, who had 11 different players find the net. Riley Warner made six saves in goal for FPU.

In the second game, sophomore Glen Lyon scored four goals and freshman Jake Finney made 11 saves in his first collegiate start but it wasn't enough as the Lancers downed the Sunbirds 14-7.

Baird, Trevor Kolb and Dylan Smith also scored for the Sunbirds, who played tougher in the second half, getting outscored 6-5 in that stage. Aaron Steiger and Chris Toy led CBU with four goals apiece.

The Sunbirds will have chances to avenge that loss, as they play the Lancers at least four more times this season.

The tournament continues on Sunday and the competition does not get any easier for FPU. The Sunbirds take on #9 Long Beach State at 11:30 am, then face NCAA D3 #1 Pomona-Pitzer at 4:10. Each of FPU's Sunday opponents face Whittier College today, with Long Beach State winning 22-8 and Pomona-Pitzer winning 9-7.