LA JOLLA, CALIF. – The Fresno Pacific men's water polo team opened the 2019 season against the nation's top-ranked team, as the Sunbirds battled Long Beach tough at Canyonview Aquatics Center before falling 19-7. FPU then played Chapman University but was unable to pull out the win in a tightly-contested contest.
"It was a tough opening day that didn't end they way we hoped. We had a strong start in both games but struggled to maintain momentum and consistency. On the positive side we have been relying on five true freshman in the regular subbing rotation. They still need a lot of maturity and experience but our future is bright. Tomorrow will be two more tough games but are goal is to learn and grow with each game," said head coach
Bryan Suhovy.
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: #5 Long Beach 19, Fresno Pacific 7
Records: LBSU (1-0), FPU (0-1)
Final: Chapman 10, Fresno Pacific 9
Records: CU (1-1), FPU (0-2)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds put together a strong second half against Long Beach and scored five times. It was too little too late, however, as the powerful 49ers used a strong start to earn the win.
• FPU and Chapman went back and forth in first half, but the Panthers went into halftime with a 6-4 lead. Chapman managed to keep their lead and defeat the Birds 10-9.
STATS OF THE GAMES:
• The Sunbirds received a pair of goals from
Cody Wickman and
Uros Pelemis in the setback to LBSU, while
Michael Hicks amassed five saves in the cage.
•
Curtis Vidinoff,
Uros Pelemis, and
Zach Zetz scored two goals each in the loss to the Chapman Panthers.
SOCIAL:
UP NEXT:
• FPU will continue the Triton Invitational on Sunday, with the first game of the day set for 8:00 a.m. against Pomona-Pitzer.
#TeamFPU
