SANTA CLARA, Calif. – In the first matches of the season, Fresno Pacific women's water polo had a tough pool of opponents on Saturday afternoon, taking on polo powerhouses UC Davis and Santa Clara. The Sunbirds fell to UC Davis 1-28, but scored seven goals against Santa Clara to close out the weekend.

GAME 1 | FPU 1, UC Davis 28

UC Davis dominated the match against Fresno Pacific, beginning with a strong opening quarter and didn't look back. FPU managed to find the net in the fourth quarter with a goal by Maggie Cook, assisted by Dakota Lambert, but UC Davis had already extended its lead. The final score stood at 28-1, with UC Davis capitalizing on six power-play opportunities and four penalty shots throughout the game. Sophomore Evalena Filippi fought hard against the Mustangs in the cage, recording six saves and contributing a steal.

GAME 2 | FPU 7, Santa Clara 19

The second game of the day went better for the 'Birds as they faced a team they know all to well. After defeating Santa Clara for the first time in program history last year, the FPU women's water polo team showed up with determination. The Blue and Orange started the game with Sierra Coyne scoring, but Santa Clara quickly took control. Broncos went on a 5-0 scoring run, building a 6-1 lead. Sofia DeRollo's goal temporarily halted the run for Fresno Pacific, but Santa Clara extended their advantage to 8-2 by the end of the first quarter. The Sunbirds' Frances Benson scored a penalty shot in the second quarter, but Santa Clara's offense remained dominant, contributing to a 12-5 score by halftime. Santa Clara's momentum continued in the third quarter, pushed the lead to 19-6. The 'Birds closed the game with a goal by Maggie Cook in the fourth quarter, but Santa Clara secured a decisive 19-7 victory, specifically from their seven-goal performances in the first and third quarters.
 
Benson scored two goals and added an assist on five shots. Coyne contributed with two goals from five attempts. DeRollo was efficient, converting both of her shot attempts into goals. In goal, Filippi tallied 10 saves, effectively anchoring the defense, making it 16 saves for the day.

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