SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Fresno Pacific dropped a Golden Coast Conference (GCC) water polo match to Santa Clara 11-6 on Sunday afternoon. The Sunbirds out-scored the Broncos in the second half, but couldn't overcome a slow start at Sullivan Aquatics Center.
 
FPU falls to 12-9 overall on the year and 0-2 in league play with the loss. SCU moves to 6-14 overall and 1-1 in the GCC with the win.
 
The Sunbirds trailed 9-2 at halftime after the Broncos exploded for six goals in the second period. FPU found its rhythm in the second half and scored four times and held the Broncos to just a pair of goals, but it wasn't enough for the Sunbirds.
 
Julia Ponce scored three times to lead the offense for FPU, while Kaitlin Groothuyzen, Amber Penney and Hannah Holly rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece. Penney added two assists to facilitate the offense.
 
Courtney Hall made the start in goal, totaling five saves for the Sunbirds before Kaylin Drum played the second half and amassed four blocks.
 
The Sunbirds held the Broncos to a 1-of-7 clip on power plays, but were out-shot by SCU 30-23 on the day.
 
Blair Akerland and Keri Clifford led Santa Clara with three goals apiece.
 
FPU stays on the road in conference play this week and faces Loyola Marymount on Friday, March 24 at 4 p.m.