IRVINE, Calif. — Fresno Pacific men's water polo held their own against back-to-back WWPA west region title holder Concordia University Irvine (19-12, 5-1 WWPA) on Saturday afternoon. Despite a valiant start by the Sunbirds, the Golden Eagles overtook the match with a final score of 14-7 at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. The Sunbird men managed to score one power-play goal, while Concordia capitalized on two penalty shots in the match.

Fresno Pacific and Concordia exchanged goals throughout the first period, with senior Christian Clark scoring first for the Sunbirds. The quarter ended in a 3-3 tie after Joey Brocar made his way through the water and dented the twine. In the second period, a Golden Eagle converted a penalty shot, giving CUI a brief lead before Christiano Sandino, assisted by Samuel Ramos, tied the game again. The match remained competitive throughout the third period until Concordia pulled away, tallying five goals to make it 10-6. Luke Young sailed one into the back of the net to give FPU a fighting chance, but the Golden Eagles dominated the final quarter, scoring four consecutive goals and securing a 14-7 victory.

Sandino led the Sunbirds with two goals and one assist, converting on half of his four shot attempts. Ramos contributed to the team's scoring with a goal and an assist, along with recording a steal. Jordan Lambert added a goal on three shots. In goal, Chase Hammes made 11 saves, helping to bolster the defensive effort against the Golden Eagles.

The Sunbirds hold a record of 4-18 overall and 2-4 in conference play. FPU is currently the number three seed in the west for the WWPA Championships held in Geneva, Ohio. All conference teams (East and West) with compete for the conference championship title on November 21-23.

For more information, visit the WWPA Men's Water Polo Championship Tournament Central.

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