FPU vs. Whittier

Slow starts doomed the Sunbirds in a pair of losses at the Whittier Mini Invitational on Saturday. FPU fell to Whittier 12-10 in the morning session followed by an 11-6 loss to Chapman in the afternoon.

In the first match of the season FPU struggled offensively, unable to find a goal in the first quarter. The 3-0 deficit was too much to overcome in the final three quarters despite a solid showing from sophomore Daniel Seymour who scored a trio of goals in the second quarter and four total for the match.

Senior newcomer David Maes scored two goals and Justin Lopez-Lamb, Kyle Mauriello, John Samson, and Kyle Madel all scored once.

FPU had a chance to complete the comeback in the fourth sneaking within one goal twice, but Whittier closed the door with a goal in the final three minutes to make it 12-10.

"It was a good opening game for us," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "We improved each quarter after going down in the first. We played well as a team. Our freshman got a lot of experience and showed a lot of promise. We just need to work on protecting the ball better and not giving up so many turnovers."

Chapman handed the Sunbirds their second loss in an 11-6 decision during the afternoon match.

Fresno Pacific will be back in action on September 17 when they welcome in Merced. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.