RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Sam Witt scored three times and dished out an assist on Friday night, but the Fresno Pacific women's water polo team narrowly fell to George Washington, 12-10, to open the Lancer Joust.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: George Washington 12, Fresno Pacific 10
Box Score
Records: FPU (7-8), GWU (6-4)
Location: Riverside, Calif. | Lancer Aquatic Center
Series: FPU trails 3-0
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QUOTABLE:
• "We really played well tonight, but It was a tough loss. We came out focused and with a game plan. We executed well, but George Washington was able to capitalize on a few mistakes in the fourth to finish it. Overall, I was proud of how the girls played against a strong opponent." – head coach Bryan Suhovy

HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds and the Colonials battled back and forth in the first half before heading into halftime tied at 6-6.
• With the match tied 8-8 in the third period, George Washington used a 3-0 run to take control of the game. FPU cut the deficit to 11-10 with a goal from Emily Woodruff with 4:46 to play, but wouldn't come any closer the rest of the way.
 
STATS:
• Witt led the Sunbirds with four points on three goals and an assist, while Savannah Mangrum added two goals and an assist. Woodruff, Emily Knowles, Emma McBride, Hannah Holly and Andria Martin rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece.
• Madeline Frey played in the cage for FPU and totaled eight saves.
• The Sunbirds were held to 1-of-9 on power-play opportunities.
• Dara Bleiberg led GW with three goals and an assist in the win.
 
BEYOND THE BOX
• FPU's Julia Ponce faced her younger sister on Friday night, Alana Ponce. Both tallied an assist in the game.
• GW is currently receiving votes in the national poll.
 
UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds continue the Lancer Joust on Saturday. FPU faces #24 California Baptist at 10:30 a.m. before facing Concordia at 2 p.m.