FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team opened the 2017 season on Saturday, but Cal State East Bay played spoiler and defeated the Sunbirds 12-9 at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
 
Hannah Holly led a late charge from the Sunbirds, scoring three times in the final five minutes, but it wasn't enough. FPU trailed 6-4 at the intermission before the Pioneers (1-0) charged in the third period to take control of the game. CSUEB scored four times during the stretch and held on for the win after finding the back of the cage twice in the final period.  
 
Holly led the Sunbirds with a career-best four scores, while Emily Knowles added two goals. Julia Ponce, Kaitlin Groothuyzen and Nonie Grant rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece. Freshman Sam Witt added two assists and two steals, while Courtney Hall recorded six saves.
 
The Sunbirds out-shot the Pioneers 32-23, but couldn't capitalize on their man-up opportunities (4-of-13).

"It was not the start we were looking for, but it gave us a great picture of where we are at and what we need to work on," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "Hannah stepped up in the second half as the leading scorer today, and Savannah Mangrum had a great college debut leading us in ejections drawn. Noni and Emma also did great for their first time playing such a key roll as center defenders. All the girls played hard and applied what we have been working on, but we still have a long way to go before we reach our peak. I'm excited to see the foundation we have so far though."

Rocio Fesembeck led CSUEB with four goals, while Nikki Vaughn made 16 saves in goal.
 
FPU now travels to the Santa Clara Mini Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 4.