The FPU men's water polo team began its 2011 season with one of the most difficult possible scenarios, facing #6 UC Irvine and #10 Long Beach State. Though the Sunbirds played well and at times looked fairly evenly matched with the NCAA powers, the depth of the Division I programs would win out in the end as the second halves were controlled by UCI and LBSU.

#6 UC Irvine 28, Fresno Pacific 8
Box Score & Recap

Mateja Maksimovic scored three goals in his Sunbird debut and FPU led 2-1 midway through the first quarter before a 12-3 Anteater run to end the half.

#10 Long Beach State 16, Fresno Pacific 5
Box Score & Recap

FPU surprised the 10th-ranked 49ers by keeping the game tied well into the game's second quarter. Long Beach State would score the last four goals of the half though to break the 3-3 tie and go on to the victory. Five different players scored for FPU and the Sunbirds got 11 saves from goalie Jake Finney.