CLAREMONT, Calif. – Garth Verdegaal's game-winning goal with one second left powered Fresno Pacific to its first win of the 2018 campaign on Friday. The Sunbirds won both games to open the Gary Troyer Tournament, defeating Cal Lutheran 10-9 and McKendree 19-8.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: Fresno Pacific 10, Cal Lutheran 9
Records: FPU (1-11), CLU (5-8)
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Final: Fresno Pacific 19, McKendree 8
Records: FPU (2-11), MCK (6-7)
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds held a 5-4 lead at halftime against Cal Lutheran. The second half went back and forth before Verdegaal's heroics. With the clock running out, the junior lobbed a shot over the goalie and found the back of the net just before the horn sounded to give FPU the win.
• In the nightcap, the Sunbirds scored early and often and led 11-1 at halftime. FPU added eight more goals in the second half to cruise to the win.
 
STATS OF THE GAMES:
• Verdegaal led FPU in the opener with two goals and three assists, while Lazar Raca added two goals and two assists. Kyle Eoff found the back of the cage three times for the 'Birds.
• Raca led the way against McKendree, as the senior totaled four goals. Eoff added three scores and an assist as well for FPU.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds picked up their first win of the 2018 season on Friday.
• Verdegaal's five points marked a season high for the Hanford native.
• The 19 goals marked a season best for FPU.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds continue the Gary Troyer Tournament on Saturday with two more matches. FPU faces Iona (9 a.m.) and Chapman (1 p.m.).