FRESNO, Calif. – Kyle Madel's five goals powered Fresno Pacific over Concordia 12-9 on Saturday afternoon at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
 
The Sunbirds improve to 8-8 overall and 1-3 in Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) play with their fourth straight win, while the Eagles fall to 4-11 overall and 0-1 in league action.
 
"I was proud of our effort today," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "Our counter attack was our bread-and-butter today. Our defense was playing smart and creating steals to feed our counter attack and we were able to convert on those opportunities."
 
FPU got off to a slow start and trailed 3-2 after the opening quarter. The Sunbirds answered in the second period, scoring five times to take a 7-6 lead into halftime. FPU held on for the win with five goals in the second half while holding the Eagles to three.
 
Madel led all scorers with five goals, while Jacob Fairchild recorded a hat trick. David Maes, Steven Kaufmann, Garth Verdegaal and Jamison Shapland rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece. Erik Brown facilitated the offense with four assists, while Taylor Heckathorn and Maes added two helpers each.
 
Dillon Robinson played all 32 minutes in the cage and tallied 12 saves and one steal. The senior has now recorded in 12 of 13 games he has appeared in.
 
The Sunbirds took advantage on man-up opportunities, converting 6-of-11. FPU out-shot CUI 30-28.
 
FPU has a quick turnaround as the Sunbirds host #10 UC Davis on Sunday at 2 p.m.
 
"We have to continue to stay focused," noted Suhovy about the matchup on Sunday. "If we come in with the right attitude and mindset and continue to do the things that have brought us success this season, I think we have a good chance to have a good showing against one of the top teams in the nation."