FRESNO, Calif. – Coming back to Sanger West just five days after the home opener, the Fresno Pacific women's water polo team fell to University of the Pacific 6-14. The Sunbirds managed a third-quarter surge, netting three goals, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
In the first quarter, University of the Pacific kicked things off with four goals right off the bat. The Tigers were strong in defense, making it difficult for the 'Birds to get close enough to score. The Sunbirds made valiant attempts towards the Tigers' cage, but by the end of the first, they still trailed by four.
Despite another goal by Pacific,
Dakota Lambert found the back of the net, thanks to an assist from
Maggie Cook, to bring the score to 1-5. The third quarter saw a brief exchange of goals, with
Regan Azevedo and
Sierra Coyne finding the net for the Sunbirds, while Pacific increased its lead to 10-3. Coyne's goal was thrilling to witness as she fought off three defenders at once, reached high out of the water and sank it into the far right corner of the cage. Another memorable moment occurred as
Maggie Cook sent a spinning shot past the goalie at the 1:25 mark, making it 4-10.
In the final quarter, Pacific maintained its dominance, scoring four times and slowing the 'Birds offense down. With five and a half minutes left, Freshman
Sofia DeRollo stepped up for the penalty goal and beat out Pacific's goalkeeper. The 'Birds finished their scoring run with
Summer Fulton's power-play goal at the 2-minute mark.
M. Cook contributed with one goal and one assist, adding to her performance with a steal and drawing an exclusion. Coyne found the back of the net once and recorded two steals. Azevedo also registered a goal and a steal, drawing an exclusion to bolster the team's efforts. In goal,
Evalena Filippi made nine saves, providing a strong presence in the cage throughout the match.
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