THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team split action on Saturday at the Tina Finali Invitational. FPU defeated Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 13-10, to open the day before dropping the tourney finale to Cal Lutheran, 11-5.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 13, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 10
Box Score
Records: FPU (4-6), CMS (1-3)
Location: Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Samuelson Aquatics Center
Series: FPU leads 3-2
 
Final: Cal Lutheran 11, Fresno Pacific 5
Box Score
Records: FPU (4-7), CLU (4-2)
Location: Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Samuelson Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 5-2
 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
Game One
• The Sunbirds had a strong first half, scoring five times in the second period to head into the intermission up 7-4.
• FPU then closed out the win with six goals in the second half, including four in the third quarter, to earn its second straight win.
 
Game Two
• The 'Birds couldn't overcome a slow start in the afternoon game, as Cal Lutheran jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the opening period.
• FPU scored twice in the second period, but couldn't find enough offensive the rest of the way as CLU ran away with the 11-5 win.
 
STATS:
Game One
• Julia Ponce and Emily Knowles led the Sunbirds with three goals apiece in the win over CMS. Sam Witt added two goals, while Savannah Mangrum, Emma McBride, Hannah Holly, Andria Martin and Katie Kisling added one goal apiece.
• FPU converted 5-of-10 power-play opportunities.
• Aracelia Aldrete led CMS with three goals.
 
Game Two
• Witt led the 'Birds with two goals, while Knowles, Holly and Kisling scored one goal apiece in the setback.
• FPU out-shot CLU 23-17 on the afternoon, but was held to an 0-for-6 clip on power plays.
• Cal Lutheran received 15 saves from Bailey Meyer in the win.
 
BEYOND THE BOX
• Ponce has now totaled 122 career goals, which ties current assistant coach Emily Marr in third all-time in program history.
• Suhovy only needs five more wins to reach the milestone of 100 career wins for the women's program.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU now heads to the Convergence Tournament to play four games, the first on Friday, March 2 against La Verne at 12:20 p.m.