THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team swept action on day one of the Tina Finali Invitational on Friday. FPU defeated Siena 13-9 in the opener before coming from behind to take down Pomona-Pitzer 13-11 in the evening game.
 
The Sunbirds are now riding a three-game winning streak and improve to 4-5 overall.
 
Julia Ponce powered FPU to the win in the opener with five goals, while Amber Penney added four and Emma McBride scored twice. Emily Knowles and Savannah Mangrum each added a goal apiece. Kaitlin Groothuyzen facilitated the offense with two assists.
 
FPU came out with seven goals in the first quarter and never looked back. Penney found the back of the cage four times during the period. The Sunbirds led 11-6 at halftime and held on in the second half for the win.
 
Kaylin Drum blocked six shots in the cage for the Sunbirds. Ponce and Sam Witt added three steals apiece in the strong defensive effort.
 
In the evening game, FPU found itself down 9-6 with two minutes to play in the third quarter. The Sunbirds used a 3-0 run to tie the game at nine apiece, but Pomona-Pitzer answered right back with a goal of its own before the end of the third period.
 
Down 10-9, FPU out-scored the Sagehens 4-1 to cap off the come-from behind win. Penney highlighted the period with two goals to seal the win, which included the would-be game-winner.
 
Penney led the offense with six goals, while Knowles added a hat trick and Ponce found the back of the cage twice. Groothuyzen and McBride rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece. McBride and Ponce also added four assists apiece offensively.
 
Courtney Hall spearheaded the defensive effort with 13 saves and two steals in the cage.
 
"It was a strong start to the weekend with two wins," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "Pomona came out strong putting our girls back on their heels in the first quarter. The girls showed heart fighting back and capitalizing on our opportunities to put the game away. We will now rest and recover for two more tough games tomorrow."
 
The Sunbirds face St. Francis Brooklyn (8 a.m.) and Occidental (1:15 p.m.) to wrap up the Tina Finali Invite on Saturday.