FRESNO, Calif. – On day one of the Tina Finali Invitational, the Fresno Pacific women's water polo team fell to host Cal Lutheran 12-4 in the opener before dropping their second match to Azusa Pacific 10-5.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Game One
Final: Cal Lutheran 12, Fresno Pacific 4
Box Score
Records: CLU (6-2), FPU (0-8)
Location: Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Samuelson Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 2-6
 
Game Two
Final: Azusa Pacific 10, Fresno Pacific 5
Box Score
Records: APU (5-9), FPU (0-9)
Location: Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Samuelson Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 6-15
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Game One
• FPU got on the board first with a goal by Katie Kisling. CLU responded with a goal of their own to tie things up. A shot by Sam Witt 27 seconds later gave the Sunbirds the edge 2-1.
• Through the next three quarters, the Regals proceeded to score eight unanswered goals.
• Witt found the back of the net two more times, but ultimately the CLU offense proved to be too much for the 'Birds to handle. Final: 12-4.
 
Game Two
• Once again, the Sunbirds struck first, scoring on a goal by Emma McBride to open up the afternoon tilt.
• A quick response by APU to tie the game was followed up by a shot from Katie Kisling that put the 'Birds out front 2-1.
• The Cougars came roaring back, outscoring FPU 9-1 en route to posting a 10-3 lead at the intermission.
• The FPU defense locked things down in the second half, holding APU scoreless through the last two frames.
• Two more goals by Kisling and Amy Zaninovich brought the 'Birds' total to five, but it was not enough as the Blue and Orange fell 10-5.
 
STATS:
Game One
• Witt's hat trick highlighted the Sunbird's offensive effort in the morning match up.
• On defense, FPU received saves from Madeline Frey (three) and Gracie Bishop (one).
• Fresno Pacific was held to 2-of-8 on power play opportunities, while Cal Lutheran went 5-for-9
• Senior Megan Seeman led the scoring for the Regals, netting a total of five goals, while goalkeeper Bailey Meyer logged 14 saves on the defensive end.
 
Game Two
• Kisling led the Sunbirds with two goals, while McBride, Zaninovich, and Witt each chipped in one apiece. Witt also snagged two of FPU's four steals.
• In the cage, Gracie Bishop logged a complete game, tallying 12 saves and a steal.
• Arianne Yeo of APU led all scorers with three goals.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Witt's hat trick against the Regals marked the second such feat for the junior this season.
• For the second time in as many weeks, Fresno Pacific and Azusa Pacific faced off in the pool.
• Bishop achieved a career high in saves when she fended off 12 shots during the match against APU. Her career save percentage sits at .349.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU will be back in action at the Tina Finali Invitational in Thousand Oaks on Saturday. The Sunbirds face Toronto at 10:30 a.m. and #24 California Baptist at 2:30 p.m.