LOS ANGELES – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team opened the 2018 season against the nation's top-ranked team, as the Sunbirds battled UCLA tough at Spieker Aquatics Complex before falling 17-7. FPU played three games total on the day, as the 'Birds also suffered setbacks to #17 Pomona-Pitzer 12-7 and Whittier 12-9.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: #1 UCLA 17, Fresno Pacific 7
Records: UCLA (1-0), FPU (0-1)
 
Final: #17 Pomona-Pitzer 12, Fresno Pacific 7
Records: PP (1-1), FPU (0-2)
 
Final: Whittier 12, Fresno Pacific 9
Records: WC (1-2), FPU (0-3)
 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds put together a strong second-half against UCLA and scored five times. It was too little too late, however, as the powerful Bruins used a strong start to earn the win.
• FPU couldn't overcome a slow start in the second game against Pomona-Pitzer, as the Sunbirds fell behind 6-0. Five second-half goals couldn't make up the difference for FPU against the Sagehens.
• The final game of the day was tight early, as the Sunbirds trailed 6-4 at the half. FPU attempted to come back with four goals in the final period, but Whittier answered with three goals of their own to hold off the 'Birds.
 
STATS OF THE GAMES:
• The Sunbirds received a pair of goals from Jacob Fairchild and Nathan Olson in the setback to UCLA, while Joshua Ramage amassed five saves in the cage.
• Fairchild poured in four goals for FPU against PP and Whittier. Ramage also amassed 11 saves in the final game against the Poets.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds faced UCLA for the first time in program history on Saturday.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU heads to the Aggie Roundup for five matches from Sept. 14-15. The first game is slated for Friday, Sept. 14 against George Washington at 8 a.m.