FRESNO, Calif. – In their final regular-season match, the Fresno Pacific University women's water polo team topped the Sonoma State Seawolves 14-7, avenging a one-point loss from earlier in the month. The victory capped a Senior Day celebration that honored seniors Emma McBride, Nonie-Ann Grant, Emily "Texas" Woodruff and Savannah Mangrum.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 14, Sonoma State 7
Box Score
Records: FPU (8-19, 4-2), SSU (7-13, 2-4)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Sunnyside Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 7-13
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• A goal from Camille Grace put the Seawolves on the board first, but Sam Witt put up two of her own to give the Sunbirds the lead.
• FPU never looked back, closing out the first period with a 4-2 run powered by Savannah Mangrum, Amy Zaninovich, Jenna Collins and Nonie-Ann Grant.
• The Birds opened the second with three goals from Katie Kisling, Emma McBride and Collins to hand FPU its largest lead of the day.
• At the half way mark, the Sunbirds led the Seawolves 11-6.
• During the second half, the defense on both sides of the pool dialed things in, as the offensive output of both teams was limited to a total of four goals, including one apiece from Collins, Mangrum and Witt. Final: 14-7.
 
STATS:
• Senior spotlight:
Emily Woodruff – one drawn exclusion
Emma McBride – one goal, one steal, two drawn exclusions
Nonie-Ann Grant – one goal, one steal
Savannah Mangrum – two goals, five assists, three steals, two drawn exclusions.
• Other highlights for the Sunbirds included four goals from Sam Witt, a hat trick from Jenna Collins and six saves from Madeline Frey.
• FPU took advantage of power play opportunities, going 6-11 while holding the Seawolves to 4-9.
• Sonoma State received two goals and a steal from Madelyn Potts, while goaltender Brooke Sullivan picked up nine saves and three steals.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds ended the season on a 5-for-6 run. They are well positioned for the WWPA Championships, which begin Friday, Apr. 26 in Geneva, Ohio.
• FPU has several players on the conference leaderboard, including Mangrum (assists leader) and Witt (top-ten in goals, points, assists, and steals).
• In her last five games, Witt has been an efficient scorer for the Birds, totaling 17 goals on a .500 shooting percentage. She led the Sunbirds with a total of 55 goals for the season, which lands her at fourth on the FPU single-season record list for goals scored.
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• The Birds head to Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio for the WWPA Championships, Friday, Apr. 26 – Sunday Apr. 28.