BOSTON – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team traveled to Boston this weekend to compete at the 2016 Harvard Invitational. The Sunbirds struggled on day one of the Invite, as FPU fell to Brown 9-7 and #22 Marist 12-2.
 
"It was a tough start to the tournament," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "We took too long to get going against Brown, and Marist just out-played us. It's the first long travel experience of the year and it takes some time adjusting. The girls are growing and learning every time we compete, and we look forward to tomorrow."
 
In the opener against Brown, the Sunbirds (6-6 overall) couldn't overcome a slow start and trailed 6-2 at the break. FPU stormed back in the second half with five goals the next two periods, but it was too little too late as Brown escaped with the 9-7 win.

Julia Ponce and Kaitlin Groothuyzen led FPU with two goals apiece, while Alyssa Stevens, Hannah Holly and Kaeli Hanson rounded out the scoring with a score each. Holly and Emily Marr added two assists apiece.
 
Courtney Hall played all four quarters in the cage and totaled seven saves, two steals and one assist for the Sunbirds.
 
FPU capitalized on four of eight man-up advantages in the game.
 
The Sunbirds couldn't find any rhythm on offense in the nightcap, as Marist held FPU two a pair of goals in the second half. The Red Foxes led 7-0 at halftime and finished off the victory with five goals in the third period to win 12-2.
 
Groothuyzen and Hanson each found the back of the cage for FPU, while Hannah Ysusi dished out two assists.
 
Kaylin Drum led the Sunbirds defensively with five saves in goal, while Hall added four saves in the first two quarters.
 
FPU faces Mercyhurst (5:00 a.m.) and #16 Harvard (12:30 p.m.) tomorrow in Boston.