LA JOLLA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team opened the 2017 Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championships on Friday in San Diego. The Sunbirds were given a tough task against regular season champion and #8 UC Davis, as FPU fell 22-7 at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #8 UC Davis 22, Fresno Pacific 7
Box Score
Records: FPU (5-18), UCD (19-6)
Location: La Jolla, Calif. | Canyonview Aquatic Center
Series: FPU trails 10-0 to UC Davis
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• UC Davis opened the game with two straight goals, but FPU fought back tough and found the back of the cage twice to tie the game at 2-2 with two minutes to play in the opening quarter.
• UCD responded, however, and used a 9-0 run to take control of the game and eventually earn the win.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Uros Pelemis led FPU with three goals, while Kyle Eoff added two goals and two steals. Paul Siebenaler and Nick Stegall added one goal apiece.
• Lazar Raca facilitated the Sunbird offense with four assists and added three steals. The defense was headed by Joshua Ramage in the cage, as the sophomore totaled 11 saves.
• FPU was held to 2-of-8 on man-up opportunities, while the Aggies converted all five of their chances.
• Jack Stafford scored a game-high four goals for UCD.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Pelemis matched his career high of three goals, while Raca's four assists also matches a career best.
• Ramage picked up his 11th double-digit save effort of the season.
• UC Davis moves on to the semifinals on Saturday and will play Air Force.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU heads to the consolation bracket and will play on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. against Concordia.