LA JOLLA, Calif. – In a showdown of top-20 teams, the 20th-ranked Fresno Pacific men's water polo team couldn't keep up with 14th-ranked UC San Diego on Friday night as the Sunbirds fell 16-6 in Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) play at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
 
FPU moves to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the WWPA with the loss, while UCSD improves to 6-4 overall and 2-0 in league action.
 
After allowing two early goals, the Sunbirds responded with scores from Kyle Madel and David Maes to knot the game at 2-2 mid-way through the first quarter. The Tritons answered, however, with an 11-1 run that put the game away. FPU managed three goals in the final period, but it was too little too late.
 
Maes led the way for the Sunbirds with four goals, while Madel and Jacob Fairchild rounded out the scoring with a score apiece. Dillon Robinson made eight saves in the cage.
 
FPU was held to 3-of-13 on power plays, while UCSD countered at a 5-for-9 clip. The Tritons also held the advantage in drawn exclusions 14-10.
 
Arman Momdzhyan powered UCSD's offense with four goals, while Jack Turner spearheaded the defense in goal with 11 blocks.
 
The Sunbirds continue WWPA play tomorrow at Loyola Marymount. The opening sprint is slated for noon.