FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific's David Maes led all scorers with four goals, but it wasn't enough as the Sunbirds fell to #20 Santa Clara 10-6 on Thursday night in front of 513 fans at Sunnyside Aquatics Center. The game marked the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) opener for both teams.
 
FPU falls to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the WWPA with the setback, while Santa Clara moves to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in league play.
 
After the two teams exchanged goals to start the match, Santa Clara rallied off a 6-0 run in the middle quarters to take control of the game and lead 8-2. FPU battled back with a 4-1 run of its own, but it proved to be too little too late as the Broncos sealed the win with a score with 30 seconds to play.
 
"We fought all four quarters, and I am very proud of the way we competed the entire night," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "Our offense was moving and executing the way we wanted, but we weren't able to finish off those opportunities. We had several 6-on-5's that we came up short on, and we have to put those away."
 
Maes led the offense with four goals, while Kyle Madel and Erik Brown each found the back of the net once for the Sunbirds. Steven Kaufmann and Jacob Fairchild contributed two assists apiece. FPU was held without a score on 12 man-up opportunities.
 
Dillon Robinson made 11 saves in the cage and also grabbed two steals for FPU.
 
Dane Estrella, Will Grant and Mac Carey led Santa Clara with two goals apiece.
 
The Sunbirds jump right back into action on Saturday at the Aggie Roundup. FPU will face Redlands and San Jose State with the first game at 12:20 p.m.