DAVIS, Calif. –  The Fresno Pacific women's water polo opened the 2019 season at the Aggie Invitational on Friday. The Sunbirds fell to 10th-ranked UC Davis 21-6 before dropping the second match to the Chinese National Team 14-1 in an exhibition.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: #10 UC Davis 21, Fresno Pacific 6
Box Score
Records: UCD (1-0), FPU (0-1)
Location: Davis, Calif. | Schaal Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 9-0
 
Final: China 14, Fresno Pacific 1
Box Score
Location: Davis, Calif. | Schaal Aquatics Center
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• An early goal from Savannah Mangrum had the 'Birds trailing 2-1, but UC Davis would jump ahead 7-2 after the opening quarter. The Sunbirds would tack on four more goals the rest of the way, but the Aggies' attack wouldn't be denied.
• The Sunbirds couldn't overcome the athletic Chinese National Team in the nightcap. FPU managed a goal to make the score 3-1 in the opening period, but wouldn't find the back of the cage the rest of the way.
 
STATS:
• S. Mangrum led the way with three points on two goals and an assist, while Katie Kisling added two goals for FPU in the setback against UC Davis. Nonie-Ann Grant and Gabriella Garcia-Roy added one score apiece.
• Gracie Bishop made five saves in the cage against the Aggies.
• Kisling scored for the 'Birds in the setback against China.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• FPU has also faced China in 2018 and 2015.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU continues action at the Aggie Invite tomorrow with a pair of games. The 'Birds face #8 Pacific (1 p.m.) and Santa Clara (4:45 p.m.) in Davis.