RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team wrapped up play at the Lancer Invitational on Saturday with two games. FPU couldn't keep up with #15 California Baptist in the opener to fall 15-2, but answered back with a 14-7 win against Occidental in the finale of the tourney.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Game One: #15 California Baptist 15, Fresno Pacific 2
Box Score
Records: FPU (1-8), CBU (10-6)
Location:  Riverside, Calif. | Lancer Aquatics Center
Series: CBU leads 20-1 against FPU
 
Final Game Two: Fresno Pacific 14, Occidental 7
Box Score
Records: FPU (2-8), OXY (0-12)
Location:  Riverside, Calif. | Lancer Aquatics Center
Series: The Sunbirds lead 10-3 over the Tigers
 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds, playing their fourth game in three days, fell behind early and trailed 8-1 at the half to California Baptist.
• FPU tacked on their final goal in the fourth period as CBU held on for the win.
 
• In game two, the Sunbirds used a seven-goal second quarter to take control of the game against Occidental.
• FPU led 10-3 at the intermission before tacking on four more goals in the second half to hold off the Tigers.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• The Sunbirds received goals from Floyd Siebenaler and Uros Pelemis in the setback against CBU. Kyle Eoff added an assist.
• Joshua Ramage had 11 saves in the cage.
• FPU fired off 35 shots, but was held to a .057 shooting percentage. The 'Birds were also held to an 0-for-9 clip on powerplays.
• CBU received three goals from Jonny Lotero.
 
• In game two, Garth Verdegaal led FPU with four goals on the afternoon.
• Lazar Raca added a hat trick, while Eoff found the back of the cage twice. Siebenaler, Zach Weaver, Erik Brown, Nathan Olson and George Dimitroulis rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece.
• Joseph Costa played well in the cage with seven saves for the 'Birds.
• FPU excelled on its man-up attack and converted 5-of-8 opportunities.
• Occidental received a goal and three steals from Leo Sonner.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds have now faced a ranked team in seven of their 10 games on the year.
• FPU has now faced CBU twice in the last three days.
• Ramage has amassed double-digit saves twice this season.
• Verdegaal's four goals were a career best.
• FPU snapped a seven-game skid with its win over Occidental.
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds now head to the Gary Troyer Memorial Tournament from Oct. 6-7 and will play four games. FPU starts the tourney against Pomona-Pitzer on Friday at 1 p.m. in Claremont, Calif.