FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team opened Golden Coast Conference (GCC) play against the defending regular-season champion San Diego State Aztecs on Friday night. The Sunbirds battled #12 SDSU tough, but fell 14-9 at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
 
FPU drops to 12-8 overall and 0-1 in GCC play with the setback, while San Diego State improves to 10-8 overall and 2-0 in league play.
 
Amber Penney highlighted the evening for the Sunbirds, as the freshman set a new school record for goals in a single season. Penney found the back of the cage three times, giving her 70 goals this season. She bested the single-season record of 68 goals set by Borbala Toth in 2008.
 
Emily Knowles added a hat trick as well for the Sunbirds, while Julia Ponce, Hannah Holly and Sam Witt rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece. Ponce and Witt added two assists apiece.
 
The Sunbirds couldn't overcome a slow start, as the Aztecs jumped out to a 6-1 lead after the opening quarter. FPU cut the deficit to 6-3 at halftime, but SDSU answered with a five-goal third period. The Sunbirds scored six times in the final two quarters, but it wasn't enough as the Aztecs escaped Fresno with the win.
 
FPU excelled in power-play opportunities, going 5-for-10 on the evening. The Sunbirds were out-shot 29-22, however.
 
Caroline Israels, a 2016 All-GCC performer, led San Diego State with five goals. Kate McDonnell picked up the win in the cage with six saves.
 
Kaylin Drum played the second half in the cage for the Sunbirds and led the defense with five saves and three steals. Courtney Hall added two steals and a block in the first half.
 
The Sunbirds continue GCC play on Sunday at Santa Clara. The game is slated for a 1 p.m. start at Sullivan Aquatics Center.