FRESNO, Calif. – The FPU men's water polo team (0-1, 0-1 WWPA) had its season opener on Thursday, going down to Western Water Polo Association foe UC San Diego (2-3, 1-0 WWPA) 25-9.
 
The Tritons got off to a quick start in the opening frame, scoring three goals within the first minute and a half of action.
 
Eugenio Maldonado was able to get one back with his first goal of the season, and after a fourth UC San Diego goal, he scored his second goal. Pietro Cattano added to the tally to make it 4-3 with 3:32 remaining, but three more goals from the Tritons made it 7-3 heading into the second quarter.
 
The visitors scored four goals to open the second period, extended their lead to 11-3 before William Green netted his first of the year. UC Davis was able to score two more before the period ended, taking a 14-4 lead into the break.
 
The two teams traded goals to open the third period, with Thilo Popp starting things off followed by Green's second goal of the game, sandwiching a Triton goal. Green backed up his second goal with a third, cutting into the UC San Dieog lead at 16-8.
 
After the Tritons scored to open the final period, the Sunbirds were able to get one more on the board thanks to Jacob Renvier. UC San Diego, though, was able to score five straight to put the game out of reach and get the win.
 
FPU will be back in action on Saturday and Sunday when they travel to Redlands, Calif. for the Inland Empire Tournament. They'll take on Redlands and Whittier on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by matchups with Occidental and Chapman on Sunday at 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
 
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