FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team struggled to find any rhythm offensively on Thursday, as the Sunbirds fell to visiting Santa Clara 12-3 at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: Santa Clara 12, Fresno Pacific 3
Box Score
Records: FPU (8-14), SCU (11-12)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Sunnyside Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 12-0
Get Social: Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics

HOW IT HAPPENED:
• FPU fell behind 4-0 early before Emily Knowles scored with under two minutes to play in the first quarter.
• SCU went on to lead 8-1 at halftime.
• The Sunbirds scored twice in the final period, but it wasn't enough as the Broncos earned a road victory.

STATS:
• Knowles led FPU with two goals, while Julia Ponce added one score. Sam Witt, Nonie-Ann Grant and Ponce added one assist apiece.
• Madeline Frey blocked seven shots in the cage for the Sunbirds.
• The Broncos held FPU to 1-of-7 on power-play opportunities.
• SCU received three goals from Hannah Buck.

BEYOND THE BOX:
• Knowles has scored two or more goals five times this season.
• Head coach Bryan Suhovy currently sits at 99 career wins on the women's side.

UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds jump back into Western Water Polo Association play on Friday, March 30. FPU hosts #11 UC San Diego at 4 p.m.