REDLANDS, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's water polo team traveled down for the Och Tamale Invite hosted by Redlands University. The Sunbirds had a dominant showing on the first day of the tournament, defeating Redlands 17-8 and soaring past DIII Occidental College with a whopping score of 15-5.
 
GAME 1
The 'Birds captured a big lead in the first quarter, soaring ahead 5-1 before the Tigers could find their pace. Emma Cook got things started for the Sunbirds and a minute later, Dakota Lambert converted on the man advantage. Regan Azevedo and Kennedy Green got in on the action, establishing a 5-0 advantage. Redlands responded with two late goals in the first quarter from Katie Raber and Alyssa Sorrell, narrowing the gap to 6-2. The second quarter saw the 'Birds extend their lead with goals from Sierra Coyne and Azevedo, bringing the score to 9-2. Redlands managed to cut into the lead with goals, but the Sunbirds maintained control, ending the third quarter 14-5. Despite efforts from Redlands, including a final quarter goal, the Sunbirds secured their first win of the season with a 17-8 victory, outshooting Redlands 33-27.

The Cook sisters and Coyne dominated the Sunbirds' offensive efforts with Maggie and Emma collecting four goals each and Sierra hitting her first hat trick of the season. Coyne also recorded the highest amount of steals (4), and sprint wins during the match for the 'Birds. M. Cook led the team with her season-high four assists.
 
GAME 2
Fresno Pacific started strong, scoring five consecutive goals in the first quarter, with E. Cook initiating the streak and Dakota Lambert contributing three goals, including one assisted by Cook. Occidental responded with a goal of their own, but Fresno Pacific's Kennedy Green quickly answered, making it 6-1 by the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, Cook and Lambert each added to the Sunbirds' lead, extending it to 9-1 by halftime. Despite the Tiger's efforts in the third quarter, the Sunbirds maintained dominance with a penalty goal by Lambert. The final period saw Occidental scoring twice early, but M. Cook ensured a commanding finish for the Sunbirds, resulting in a 15-5 victory.

Lambert was effective in attack, scoring five goals on six attempts and drawing three exclusions. As a team Fresno Pacific capitalized on their opportunities with 15 goals from 28 shots versus the Tigers. Overall, Evalena Filippi was consistent between the bars, collecting 15 saves and two steals over the course of the day.

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

• X - @fpusunbirds 
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds