SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team opened the Golden Coast Conference (GCC) Championships on Friday, as the Sunbirds fell to #10 Pacific 15-3 at Sullivan Aquatic Center.
 
The Sunbirds (14-15) move into the consolation game against sixth-seeded California Baptist on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The Tigers (18-8) advance to the semifinals and will face third-seeded Loyola Marymount.
 
FPU couldn't overcome a slow start, as Pacific jumped out to a 4-0 lead. The Sunbirds received a goal from Amber Penney as the second quarter opened, but would then be held scoreless until the fourth period. Pacific led 12-1 as the final period began and put the game away with three more goals before the final buzzer.
 
Penney, Hannah Holly and Kaitlin Groothuyzen scored one goal apiece for the Sunbirds, while Julia Ponce and Emma McBride tallied an assist each. Courtney Hall made four saves in the cage and Kaylin Drum added two blocks.
 
The Sunbirds were outshot 34-18 on the day and were held to 0-for-6 on power plays. The Tigers countered at 4-of-7 on man-up opportunities.
 
Kyra Christmas led the way for the Tigers with five goals.