WHITTIER, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team opened its 2014 campaign with a split at the Whittier Open at Slade Aquatic Center Saturday. In the opener, the Sunbirds fell victim to a sluggish first half in an 11-8 loss to Chapman before knocking off Occidental in the nightcap, 13-9.
 
Sophomore David Maes, who found the back of the cage three times, led the Sunbirds in the opener. Junior driver Daniel Seymour tallied a pair of scores, while Ian Roos, John Samson and Kyle Mauriello rounded out the scoring with a tally apiece.
 
"We had a rough first half," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "We made some adjustments heading into the third quarter and it showed. That second half is going to be the starting point of our season. We created good opportunities and are learning to finish them."
 
Despite allowing nine first-half goals, the Sunbirds mounted a comeback in the final two periods and outscored the Panthers 5-2 to make the final 11-8. FPU cut the Chapman lead to two, 10-8, with 4:32 remaining with a goal from Maes, but the Panthers held on for the season-opening win.
 
"Our power play percentage needs to improve," said Suhovy. "As the guys continue to learn our system and build trust, we will only get better."
 
Dillon Robinson made his first start of his collegiate career in the cage and amassed 16 saves for FPU.
 
In the nightcap, the Sunbirds displayed a well-balanced offensive attack to pour in 13 goals to earn the win.
 
Maes continued to be a force with five goals in the win, while Roos found the back of the cage four times from the two-meter line.
 
"We came out strong controlling the game from the first whistle," said Suhovy. "David and Ian led the charge. It is always nice finishing off the day with a win, but we have a lot of work ahead of us."
 
The Sunbirds opened the game with two straight scores from Maes and Samson and ended the quarter with goals from Greg Bracamonte and Miles Shepard to lead 4-2. FPU poured in three more goals in the second period to lead 7-4 at the intermission.
 
FPU capped off the win with a four-goal final period, including a pair of goals from Roos, to make the final 13-9.
 
Kevin Richey made his first appearance in goal in 2014 and recorded 10 saves to power the FPU defense.
 
"We capitalized on our power plays, scoring 7-out-of-9, which was much better than this morning," said Suhovy. "Our defense needs some work though. Both goalies had a solid day, however. All in all it was a good day, and it gives a solid view of where we are and where we need to go from here."
 
FPU next faces Merced College in its home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.