FULLERTON, Calif. - The Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) announced their player of the week winners on Wednesday afternoon. For the second time this season, goalkeeper Chase Hammes earned Defensive Player of the Week after anchoring the Sunbirds' defense with a series of standout performances.
The junior goalkeeper totaled 16 saves, two steals, and one assist over the course of the week, highlighted by an impressive showing against Concordia University Irvine, the reigning WWPA West Region back-to-back champions. In that matchup, he recorded 11 saves and allowed just 14 goals, keeping the Sunbirds within striking distance against one of the conference's most potent offenses.
The day prior, Hammes helped power a dominant defensive effort in the Sunbirds' 11–6 upset win over Biola. The Sanger-Calif. native made an impressive eight saves, stole the ball on three separate occasions and contributed two assists. He also limited Biola to 3-of-13 on power play goals. Fresno Pacific held the Eagles to only six goals the entire match, including a fourth-quarter shutout that sealed the important WWPA victory. Hammes' consistency and command in the cage continue to elevate Fresno Pacific's defensive identity, solidifying his place among the conference's stellar goalkeepers. In the WWPA, Hammes is fifth in steals (39) and third in saves (196), saves per game (8.9), and steals per game (1.8).
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.
To view the WWPA Conference Standings & Leaderboard , CLICK HERE.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
- X - @fpusunbirds
- Instagram - @fpusunbirds
- Facebook - /FPUsunbirds
#TeamFPU
