FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team battled Air Force tough on Friday afternoon, but the Sunbirds fell just short against the Falcons, 13-11, in Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) play at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Air Force 13, Fresno Pacific 11
Box Score
Records: FPU (5-16, 0-6 WWPA), AFA (6-13, 2-4 WWPA)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Sunnyside Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 10-1 to Air Force
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QUOTABLE:
• "I'm proud of how the guys played. They showed up ready to battle. Kyle really stepped up offensively and led the charge. Richard made his mark offensively, and Paul earned almost all our power plays with his driving. It was a solid team effort. The loss itself was tough, but the effort behind our play was solid. We need to reset and recharge for another tough battle against Santa Clara tomorrow." – head coach Bryan Suhovy
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds and Falcons played a back-and-forth opening quarter and were tied 3-3 after the frame.
• FPU then exploded for five scores in the second period and led 8-7 at the intermission.
• The Falcons answered back in the third, however, and used three scores to take the lead 10-9.
• AFA wouldn't relinquish the lead the rest of the way. FPU cut the deficit to one with under a minute to play, but the Falcons answered right back with a score to earn the two-goal win.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Kyle Eoff led the Sunbirds with six goals, while Richard Szepesi added a hat trick. Erik Brown and Lazar Raca added one goal apiece.
• Paul Siebenaler recorded four assists and Garrett Pickford added two helpers for FPU.
• Joshua Ramage recorded 12 saves and a steal for the 'Birds in the cage.
• FPU converted three-of-six power-plays and finished a perfect 2-of-2 on penalty shots.
• Air Force received three goals from Garrett Fisk and Edward Smet.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Eoff's six goals mark a career best. He totaled five scores twice in 2016 in back-to-back games on Oct. 1.
• Ramage picked up his ninth double-digit save effort of the season.
• Siebenaler's four assists also marked a career best.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU wraps up regular season play on Saturday at #20 Santa Clara. The opening sprint is slated for 3 p.m. at Sullivan Aquatic Center.