SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Fresno Pacific scored five times in the final period, but it wasn't enough as the Sunbirds fell to #20 Santa Clara 17-11 on Saturday in Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) play.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #20 Santa Clara 17, Fresno Pacific 11
Box Score
Records: FPU (5-17, 0-7 WWPA), SCU (7-13, 2-4 WWPA)
Location: Santa Clara, Calif. | Sullivan Aquatic Center
Series: FPU trails 9-0 to SCU
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds couldn't overcome a slow start, as the Broncos jumped out in front 9-3 at halftime.
• The Broncos added five goals in the third before FPU started to mount its comeback. It was too little too late for the Sunbirds, however, who won the final quarter 5-3.
 
STATS OF THE GAMES:
• Lazar Raca led the Sunbirds with four goals in the setback. Richard Szepesi added a hat trick, while Kyle Eoff scored twice and Paul Siebenaler and Uros Pelemis added one goal apiece.
• Raca added three steals defensively, while Joshua Ramage amassed 10 saves in the cage for the 'Birds.
• FPU out-shot SCU 33-31 on the day, but only converted 2-of-12 man-up opportunities.
• Santa Clara received three goals from Reilley May and Dane Estrella.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Raca's four goals marked a career high.
• Ramage picked up his 10th double-digit save effort of the season.
• The Sunbirds wrapped up the regular season on Saturday.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU now awaits the WWPA Championships on Nov. 17-19. The seedings for the tournament will be announced next week.