ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team used a strong fourth period to down Sonoma State, 11-10, on Saturday in Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) action.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 11, Sonoma State 10
Box Score
Records: FPU (2-5, 2-1 WWPA), SSU (0-5, 0-1 WWPA)
Location: Rohnert Park, Calif. | Dr. G. Edward Rudloff Pool
Series: FPU trails 11-5
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QUOTABLE:
• "I'm proud of how our girls played today. They applied everything we've worked on this week and came in confident. They played well as a team working both sides of the pool, and shot well. We had a well-rounded offense, and our defense was quick to recognize and adjust. We're in a good place as we head into the next several weekends. We still have a lot to improve on, but we have established a solid foundation that we can lean on." – head coach Bryan Suhovy
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Fresno Pacific came out firing on offense and scored seven first-half goals to lead 7-4 at the intermission.
• The Seawolves wouldn't go down without fighting, however, and scored six times in the third to lead 10-9 as the final quarter approached.
• The difference in the game proved to be the fourth period, as the Sunbirds used a stout defense to hold SSU scoreless. The offense received two goals, the last coming from Hannah Holly that proved to be the game winner with 2:59 remaining.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Holly and Emily Knowles led the 'Birds with three goals apiece.
• Sam Witt added two goals and two assists, Julia Ponce totaled a goal and two assists, Savannah Mangrum amassed a goal and an assist and Katie Kisling scored once for FPU.
• Madeline Frey started in goal and totaled five saves for the Sunbirds, while Camryn Berra played the second half and stopped two shots for the Sunbirds.
• FPU converted 5-of-9 power-play opportunities on the afternoon.
• Sonoma State received three goals from Taylor Brown and Taylor Brooks.
 
BEYOND THE BOX
• FPU picked up its second conference win of the season, which moved them into second place in the standings.
• Suhovy only needs seven more wins to reach the milestone of 100 career wins for the women's program.
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds head to the Tina Finali Invitational in Thousand Oaks on Friday, February 23. FPU opens up against Pomona-Pitzer at 10 a.m.