SEASIDE, Calif. – Emily Knowles scored five times and Courtney Hall added 13 saves, but the Fresno Pacific women's water polo team couldn't hang on against Cal State Monterey Bay and fell 13-12 on Friday.
 
The Sunbirds drop to 14-13 overall on the season, while CSUMB improves to 7-10 overall. The Otters win the season series 2-0 with the victory.
 
After the first period ended with each team finding the back of the cage three times, FPU exploded for a five-goal second quarter to lead 8-5 at the half. Julia Ponce scored three straight times in the middle of the period to ignite the Sunbird offense.
 
FPU matched the Otters with four goals in the third period, but struggled in the final eight minutes of action. CSUMB scored five unanswered goals, the last goal with only a second to play, to escape with the win.
 
Knowles' five goals led all scorers, while Ponce added four, Amber Penney scored twice and Hannah Holly found the back of the cage once. Ponce and Holly added an assist and four steals apiece.
 
The Sunbirds were efficient on power-plays, making 3-of-7 opportunities but allowed three goals on man-up advantages as well. FPU outshot the Otters 35-33 on the evening.
 
CSUMB received three goals from Maris Lovos and Adrianna Craft in the win.
 
FPU wraps up the regular season on Thursday, April 20 against Pacific. Prior to the 6 p.m. start time, the Sunbirds will honor their senior class.