LA JOLLA, Calif. –  Fresno Pacific opened the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championships on Friday at Canyonview Aquatic Center on the campus of UC San Diego. The Sunbirds couldn't overcome a sluggish second quarter as FPU dropped the first-round matchup to Sonoma State 7-5.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Sonoma State 7, Fresno Pacific 5
Box Score
Records: FPU (10-17), SSU (7-18)
Location: La Jolla, Calif. | Canyonview Aquatic Center
Series: FPU trails 12-6
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Each team came out in the first quarter and exchanged goals in the opening four minutes of the game.
• SSU then managed to go on a 6-0 run in the middle periods to take control of the game.
• The Sunbirds charged late and found the back of the cage four times, but time ran out before the comeback was completed.
 
STATS:
• FPU distributed the offense, as five different Sunbirds found the back of the net. Julia Ponce, Emily Knowles, Hannah Holly, Sam Witt and Andria Martin each scored once, while Emma McBride dished out two assists. Madeline Frey headed the defense with five saves.
• SSU received two goals from Amanda Weddle, while Lisa Rodarmel added 10 saves.
• FPU out-shot the Seawolves 27-19, but were held to an 0-for-7 clip on power-play opportunities.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds had defeated the Seawolves the last four meetings between the two teams before today's matchup, including twice this season.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU now faces McKendree in consolation bracket on Saturday at 11 a.m.