LA JOLLA, Calif. –  The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team closed out the 2018 campaign with a 9-7 win over Mercyhurst at the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championships on Sunday. The win earned the Sunbirds a fifth-place finish at the three-day championships.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: Fresno Pacific 9, Mercyhurst7
Box Score
Records: FPU (12-17), HURST(13-8)
Location: La Jolla, Calif. | Canyonview Aquatic Center
Series: FPU leads 4-0
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QUOTABLE:
• "After a tough start Friday, the girls wanted to prove a point. They were focused and driven for the next two games. They followed the game plan in each game just as we prepared. I'm proud of all of them and what they have achieved this season. First year in a new conference and we are in the mix. Our goal is to bring home a WWPA championship in the future. Thank you to our three seniors and all they have given to this program. They finished off their final year playing some of their best polo ever. We will miss each of them, but are excited for the tone they set for next year. Good things are happening in our program." – head coach Bryan Suhovy

HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Emma McBride started the scoring off with a put-back goal to give FPU an early 1-0 lead. Sam Witt and Emily Woodruff then found the back of the cage to put the Sunbirds up 3-0.
• FPU held a 6-3 lead at halftime after adding three more goals in the second period.
• Mercyhurst mounted a comeback in the second half, but a goal from Julia Ponce with 2:25 remaining sealed the win for the Sunbirds.
 
STATS:
• Witt led the 'Birds with three goals, while Ponce added two goals and an assist. Hannah Holly and Savannah Mangrum each added a goal and assist, while McBride and Woodruff rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece.
• Madeline Frey led the FPU defense with nine saves and a steal. 
• The difference came in power-play opportunities, as FPU converted 5-of-12 while HURST was held to a clip of 0-for-5.
• Mercyhurst received four goals from Maddie Nye.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The 12 wins on the year marked the second consecutive season the Sunbirds have recorded double-digit victories. It was the third-highest win total in program history. 
• The Sunbirds graduate Holly, Ponce and Emily Knowles after stellar four-year careers. FPU returns 15 student-athletes, led by leading-scorer Witt.