Fresno Pacific had a remarkable showing on the final day of competition at the Rodeo Tournament at Santa Clara. The Sunbirds nearly knocked off two of the top 20 teams in the nation including host school Santa Clara.

In game one FPU (10-11) took on #19 Santa Clara in a back and forth match that the Broncos eventually took 15-11.

Glenn Lyon and Dan Wilson each poured in three goals for the Sunbirds who tied their smallest losing margin against a ranked team this season. Andreas Sahlberg added two and Zlatko Vlasic, Matt Boogaard and Ian Roos each scored one goal apiece.

Fresno Pacific was down just one at the half before Santa Clara used a 5-3 third quarter to put the slim cushion between the two teams that ultimately led to the win.

Game two pitted FPU against #13 The Air Force Academy.

Lyon was a monster in the middle for the Sunbirds tallying a team-high five goals in the closest loss to a ranked opponent this season. Vlasic added four goals and Daniel Seymour chipped in three of his own.

The Sunbirds were done in by a monster performance from the Falcons' Josh Stedman who scored four goals in both the first and third quarters and ended the match with nine goals.

“We came back 0-4 from the tournament but this is the best and most consistent showing FPU water polo has had against ranked teams ever,” said head coach Bryan Suhovy. “For us to play the 13th ranked team in Division I to a two point game is great. Our guys are playing great.”

Fresno Pacific is back at home for their final match of the season at Sunnyside Aquatics Center this season on Tuesday against Merced College. The Sunbirds will travel to Air Force Academy next weekend to take on California Baptist and the Falcons.