SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Fresno Pacific opened play at the Santa Clara Rodeo Tournament on Friday, as the Sunbirds fell to #14 George Washington 14-7 at the Sullivan Aquatic Center.
 
FPU moves to 8-11 overall with the setback, while GW improves to 10-6 overall.
 
The Sunbirds played well early, leading 4-3 after the opening quarter. FPU used a 4-0 run in the middle of the period to take the lead, sparked by two goals from Erik Brown. The Colonials took control the rest of the way, however, and out-scored the Sunbirds 11-3 in the final three quarters.
 
Brown's two goals led the way for FPU, while David Maes, Garrett Pickford, Garth Verdegaal, Mitch Clark and Kyle Eoff each added a goal apiece. Dillon Robinson made seven saves in the cage.
 
The Sunbirds were held to a 1-for-12 mark in power-play opportunities. GW countered at a mark of 5-for-13. The Colonials out-shot the Sunbirds 32-29.
 
Atakan Destici led GW with six goals, while Sander Profaci totaled seven saves in the cage.
 
FPU is back in action tomorrow at the Rodeo tournament with two games. The opening game of the day against #10 Brown is scheduled for 11:40 a.m.