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9
Winner Fresno Pacific FPU (0)
6
UC Merced UCM (0)
Winner
Fresno Pacific FPU
(0)
9
Final
6
UC Merced UCM
(0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Fresno Pacific FPU 1 2 4 2 9
UC Merced UCM 2 1 2 1 6

Game Recap: Women's Water Polo |

Lady 'Birds Triumph Over Bobcats in First Conference Win

MERCED, Calif. — Fresno Pacific women's water polo secured a 9-6 victory over the University of California, Merced on Wednesday evening. The Sunbirds outscored UC Merced 4-2 in the third quarter to create a decisive margin. A remarkable trio of Sunbirds led the offensive drive for the 'Birds, tallying more than two goals each for the win.

Fresno Pacific opened the scoring with a goal by Dakota Lambert, but UC Merced quickly responded with an equalizer from Makayla Hemphill and another by Ava Faria to make it 2-1. In the second quarter, UC Merced's advantage extended further, but the Sunbirds struck back with two goals from Emma Cook, leveling the score at 3-3.

The Sunbirds then surged ahead in the third quarter with three consecutive goals, with Sierra Coyne contributing two, to lead 7-3. UC Merced tried to narrow the gap with two goals, but Cook secured the win for the Sunbirds in the fourth quarter with two more goals, sealing a 9-6 victory. The 'Birds outshot the Bobcats, recording 22 attempts to UC Merced's 26, and despite the home team's three power-play goals, they could not overcome the deficit.

Cook led the offensive charge with four goals on six shots, also contributing three steals. The Sunbird senior has scored four goals in five matches thus far this season and ranks fourth in goals-per-game (2.2) in the WWPA. Lambert added to the scoring with a hat trick, marking her second in a row. Coyne posted a balanced performance, recording two goals, two assists, and three steals. Regan Azevedo facilitated the offense with two assists, supporting the team's overall effort.

Goalkeeper Evalena Filippi was strong in the cage, making nine saves to anchor the defense. She is ranked second in the conference in saves (129) and fifth in saves-per-game (7.2). 

The Sunbirds are currently 6-12 overall and 1-1 in WWPA conference play. 

NEXT UP: Fresno Pacific women's water polo continues conference play as they take on Biola on Friday at 7 pm and Concordia University Irvine on Saturday at 1 pm. A non-conference game against San Diego State will occur after the CUI game at 5 pm. All matches will be held at Sanger West High School.
 

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