FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno Pacific women's water polo defeated Whittier 19-14 in the thrilling home opener on Friday evening at Sanger West High School. The Sunbirds capitalized on their opportunities with four power-play goals and four successful penalty shots.

"Our home opener was a success!" said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "The team was prepared and managed their excitement well. I've been really proud of how this group has come together as a team. Whittier had some strong players we had to adjust for, but the team stepped up. It was a solid win for us."

Fresno Pacific commenced the match with a commanding start, as Dakota Lambert and Regan Azevedo netted early goals, putting them ahead 2-0 by 5:46 in the first quarter. Whittier responded swiftly with goals, leveling the score to 2-2. However, the Sunbirds regained momentum, with Lambert scoring twice more in the first quarter, closing at 6-3. The second quarter saw FPU extend its lead to 10-5, highlighted by Frances Benson's penalty goal. Although Whittier attempted a comeback, pulling within four by the end of the third quarter, Fresno Pacific's Emma Cook scored twice in the fourth, securing a 19-14 victory. Fresno Pacific outshot Whittier 36-31, with Lambert and Cook leading the scoring efforts.

E. Cook led the Sunbirds with six goals on eight attempts. Lambert also contributed significantly, scoring six goals and adding a block and three exclusions drawn. Regan Azevedo was pivotal with two goals, three assists, and three sprint wins. Benson added a hat trick and an assist while drawing two exclusions.

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