LA JOLLA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team defeated Loyola Marymount, 11-4, on Sunday morning to wrap up the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championships. The Sunbirds used a balanced scoring attack and their best defensive effort of the season to take seventh-place at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 11, Loyola Marymount 4
Box Score
Records: FPU (6-19), LMU (7-21)
Location: La Jolla, Calif. | Canyonview Aquatic Center
Series: FPU trails 5-3 to LMU
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QUOTABLE:
• "The guys were focused this morning and ready to play. They played as a team and communicated better than they have all season. Everyone contributed. It was a great way to end the season. We will miss the seniors -- Garrett, Erik and George – but it was a nice way to end their college careers." – head coach Bryan Suhovy
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• FPU was firing on all cylinders right out of the gate, as the Sunbirds scored five times and held LMU scoreless in the opening quarter. The Sunbirds then carried a 6-1 lead into halftime behind 11 first-half saves from Josh Ramage.
• The 'Birds then won the third quarter, 3-1, to lead 9-2 as the final period approached.
• FPU closed out the win by matching the Lions with two goals in the fourth quarter.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Josh Ramage led the FPU defensive effort with 15 saves.
• Lazar Raca led the Sunbirds' offensively with three goals and two assists, while also adding three steals. Paul Siebenaler, Uros Pelemis and Kyle Eoff each added two goals apiece for the 'Birds.
• Richard Szepesi and Garth Verdegaal rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece.
• LMU received two goals from Austin Clark.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds earned their first-ever win at the WWPA Championships with the victory.
• The four goals allowed marked a season low for the 'Birds.
• FPU defeated the NCAA Division I power LMU Lions twice this season.
• The Sunbirds graduate Erik Brown, Garrett Pickford and George Dimitroulis, but returns 18 student-athletes next season.