LOS ANGELES – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team faced a pair of top-25 teams on Friday to open the LMU Invitational, as the Sunbirds fell to #21 San Jose State 9-6 before being tripped up by #9 Michigan 18-3.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: #21 San Jose State 9, Fresno Pacific 6
Box Score
Records: FPU (8-10), SJSU (7-11)
Location: Los Angeles | Burns Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 2-0
 
Final: #9 Michigan 18, Fresno Pacific 3
Box Score
Records: FPU (8-11), UM (20-7)
Location: Los Angeles | Burns Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 3-0
 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
Game One
• The Sunbirds battled San Jose State tough throughout the match. The Sunbirds played a nearly even opening two periods and only trailed at halftime 4-3.
• FPU was then held scoreless in the third period, which proved to be the difference in the match. The 'Birds found the back of the cage three times in the four quarter, two coming from Hannah Holly, but it was too little too late for FPU.
 
Game Two
• FPU then had a quick turnaround after a draining battle, as the Sunbirds couldn't overcome a slow start against Michigan.
• The Sunbirds trailed 11-0 at halftime before finding the back of the net three times in the second half.
 
STATS:
Game One
• Holly led the Sunbirds with two goals in the setback against the Spartans. Julia Ponce, Jenna Collins, Emily Knowles and Sam Witt each found the back of the cage once to round out the scoring. Madeline Frey played well in the cage for FPU and blocked 11 shots.
• FPU was held to 0-for-8 on power-play opportunities.
 
Game Two
• Collins led the Sunbirds with two goals, while Holly added the final score against Michigan.
• FPU was outshot 27-12 in the setback.
 
BEYOND THE BOX
• Head coach Bryan Suhovy currently sits at 99 career wins on the women's side.
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds continue the LMU Invitational on Saturday with two games. FPU kicks off against #17 Princeton at 8 a.m.