FULLERTON, Calif. – Fresno Pacific men's water polo competed in two challenging matches at the Fullerton Mini on Saturday morning. The Sunbirds faced off against tournament host CSU Fullerton and Cal Lutheran to wrap up the weekend in SoCal.

"This weekend was a good test for our team, playing three quality teams on the road. While we didn't get the result we wanted, we played some of our best polo so far this season and had lots of players step up," said head coach Jonathan Miller. "Friday night against Whittier was one of our best defensive games of the season, holding them way below their season average. Saturday against CSUF and Cal Lutheran our offense was working well, scoring double digits in back-to-back games for the first time this year. Lots of positives, we just have to keep working to put it all together."

GAME 1 | Cal State Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton took an early lead against Fresno Pacific. Chris Sandino responded to tie the game, but Cal State Fullerton then dominated the remainder of the period with a series of goals. In the second period, Cal State Fullerton extended their advantage with five consecutive goals, bringing the score to 11-4.

Fresno Pacific attempted a comeback in the third, with Forrest Gray and Tristin Fox each scoring twice, but Cal State Fullerton maintained control, leading 19-9 at the end of the period. In the fourth, Cal State Fullerton sealed the victory with four additional goals, finishing with a 23-12 win.

GAME 2 | Cal Lutheran

Cal Lutheran established a 5-1 lead early in the match. The Sunbirds responded with goals from Gray and Clark, cutting the deficit, but Cal Lutheran maintained control, ending the first period ahead 6-3. The Sunbirds rallied with four consecutive goals in the second, bringing the score to 8-7. Of those four goals, Gray netted half of them, reclaiming the momentum for the Sunbirds. While both teams exchanged goals, Cal Lutheran kept ahead 13-9 entering the final period. Despite the Sunbirds' efforts, including a late goal from a determined Gray, Cal Lutheran sealed the 18-13 victory in the final minute.

Gray led the Sunbirds' offense with seven goals, tying his season-high from the match versus Iona. Clark contributed with two goals and added two assists, effectively supporting the team's offensive plays. Jordan Lambert was active in playmaking, recording two assists alongside a goal of his own. In goal, Chase Hammes tallied a season-high 12 saves to anchor the defense.

NEXT UP: The Sunbirds are back home on September 25^th. The men's team takes on American River for the second time this season at 1 pm at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.

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