CLAREMONT, Calif. — FPU men's water polo captured the first win of the season against NCAA Division I Iona University in a high-scoring affair. The Sunbirds met resistance in the second match of the day, ultimately falling 17-6 to Pomona-Pitzer to conclude the Inland Empire Classic.

Fresno Pacific and Iona engaged in a dynamic match, with the Gaels initially taking the lead as Pavle Musikic scored a penalty goal in the first period. The Sunbirds responded with a series of goals, highlighted by Blake Johnson scoring twice, with an assist by Samuel Ramos, to bring the score to 6-3.

The second period saw leading FPU-scorer Forrest Gray net a goal twice within a minute, pushing the Sunbirds ahead 9-6. Despite Iona's efforts to close the gap, the Sunbirds maintained their lead with attackers Tristin Fox and Christiano Sandino stacking crucial goals in their favor.

The match concluded in a 20-17 triumph for the Sunbirds, marking head coach Jonathan Miller's first win in charge.  It is FPU's first win over a Division I opponent since defeating Long Island University last season, and prior to then it goes back to 2021 when the 'Birds knocked off both Santa Clara and coincidentally Iona.  FPU is 6-1 overall historically against the Gaels of the MAAC.

"We have had a very challenging schedule for the first two weeks and the team has really risen to the challenge. The hard work that they have been putting into practice is starting to show and it's great to get the first win of the season," said Miller. "We had big contributions from a lot of different players and it really was a whole team effort this weekend. We're looking forward to carrying this momentum into our home opener on Wednesday!"

In the second match of the day, Fresno Pacific University fell to Pomona-Pitzer 17-6. The Sagehens - the top-ranked D-III team in the nation - dominated the opening quarter with a strong offensive display to lead 6-0. The 'Birds responded in the second period with a goal from Tristin Fox, but Pomona-Pitzer quickly regained momentum.

Samuel Ramos led the Sunbirds' offense with one goal and one assist, contributing significantly to the team's tally. Joey Brocar found the back of the net once on three attempts and added one steal and one block to his defensive efforts. In the cage, Chase Hammes recorded eight saves, bolstering his defensive performance with two blocks and one steal overall.

The Sunbirds closed out the Inland Empire Classic with a record of 1-3 overall.

NEXT UP: FPU's home opener is Wednesday, September 10^th against San Joaquin Delta at 1 pm at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.

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