COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team snapped its eight-game skid on Saturday, as the Sunbirds defeated Chapman 12-8 in non-conference action. FPU fell to Air Force 19-10 earlier in the day in Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) action.
 
FPU now sits at 9-16 overall on the season after the day split and moves to 1-6 in the WWPA.
 
"After 18 hours of travel, multiple flight and travel changes and no practice yesterday, I am proud of how our guys played today," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "After playing a tough game with Air Force, we turned right around and battled against Chapman."
 
The Sunbirds jumped out to a 6-3 lead at halftime over Chapman. The difference in the game came in the third period, as FPU scored three times and held the Panthers scoreless. The Sunbirds finished off the victory with three goals in the fourth to hold on and win 12-8.
 
David Maes led the way for the Sunbirds with six goals, while Taylor Heckathorn and Jacob Fairchild each found the back of the cage twice. Kyle Eoff and Erik Brown also added one goal apiece.
 
Dillon Robinson led the Sunbirds defensively with 11 saves and three steals.
 
The win gave FPU its third win over Chapman in 2016 as the Sunbirds swept the season series.
 
In the opener against the Falcons, the Sunbirds couldn't overcome a slow start and allowed 10 first-half goals to trail 10-4 at the intermission. AFA then extended its lead in the third quarter with seven scores. FPU closed strong with a five-goal fourth period to make the final 19-10.
 
Fairchild led the FPU offense with three goals, while Maes and Kyle added two goals apiece. Garrett Pickford, Brown and Kyle Madel rounded out the scoring with a goal each. Robinson made 14 saves in the cage.
 
The Sunbirds were held to a 0-for-5 mark in power-play opportunities.
 
Riley Quinlan led Air Force with four goals, while Max Benson made 15 saves in goal.
 
The Sunbirds return home for the final two games of the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 5 against UC Santa Barbara and Pomona-Pitzer.