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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FPU excelled in power-play opportunities, going 5-for-10 on the evening. The Sunbirds were out-shot 29-22, however.
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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.
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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.
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The Sunbirds continue GCC play on Sunday at Santa Clara. The game is slated for a 1 p.m. start at Sullivan Aquatics Center.
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