FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team celebrated its senior class on Thursday, but #9 Pacific played spoiler to defeat the Sunbirds 16-8 in Golden Coast Conference (GCC) play at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
 
FPU (14-14, 1-6 GCC) honored Courtney Hall, Kaitlin Groothuyzen and Kaylin Drum prior to the game as the three were playing in their final home contest.
 
"Our seniors have been great leaders for us this season," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "All three of these seniors have been a big part of the success we have had this year and with the continued growth in our program. We will miss them, but their contributions will never be forgotten."
 
After the ceremony, the Sunbirds hit the water to take on the ninth-ranked team in the country. After each team exchanged goals, Pacific used a 5-0 run to take control of the game. The Tigers then jumped ahead 15-3 after three quarters before the Sunbirds rallied for five goals in the final frame.
 
Emily Knowles led the Sunbirds with three goals, while Amber Penney added two to increase her GCC season-best total to 81. Groothuyzen, Hannah Holly and Sam Witt rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece. Drum and Hall split time in the cage and totaled seven and six saves, respectively.
 
"We knew it was going to be a tough game from the start," noted Suhovy. "UOP is a really good team, so we looked at it as an opportunity to prepare for the conference championships. It was a slow start for us mentally, but each quarter we tried to set a new tone. The fourth quarter we found a renewed spirit and went for it."
 
Mariana Duarte, Kyra Christmas and Rachel Krieger each scored three goals to lead Pacific (16-8, 5-1 GCC).
 
The Sunbirds now turn their attention to the GCC Championships to be played in Santa Clara on April 28-30. The tournament schedule will be released in the coming week.
 
--

Coach Suhovy on the three seniors:
 
"Kaylin has really been a strong contributor the past two years. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic will be missed. Plus, she always manages to get everybody laughing when we need it. Courtney has worked hard and developed so much over the past four years. She also has a tremendous work ethic and encouraging attitude. Both Kaylin and Courtney have pushed each other every day for the past two years and they have made each other so much better. It's been a blessing to have two senior goalies that care so much for each other, and no matter what, are always encouraging and rooting for each other. Kaitlin has established herself as a leader over the past four years. She always expects the best from herself and everyone around her. Her intensity and passion will be missed next year."