RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Fresno Pacific men's water polo opened the Lancer Joust with a 15-9 victory over the University of Toronto on Friday afternoon, using a strong second half and a five-goal third period from
Ryder Stermer to pull away from the Varsity Blues.
"Really happy with the way the team battled for all four quarters to get the win," mentioned head coach
Jonathan Miller. "We were able to give lots of guys opportunities and everyone did a great job in their role. Great start to the weekend, looking forward to two good games tomorrow!"
Toronto struck first, but the Sunbirds quickly answered when
Jake Canales found the back of the net at 4:14 off a pass from
Giacomo Hernandez. Hernandez then gave the 'Birds their first lead at 2:19, scoring off an assist from Stermer. With time winding down in the opening period,
Chris Sandino scored in the final second to send Fresno Pacific into the second with a 3-2 advantage.
Similar to the first period, Toronto opened the second with a goal, but Canales responded with a power-play goal at 3:27 to put the 'Birds back in front. The Varsity Blues capitalized on a Fresno Pacific turnover to tie the game at 4-4 before
Yanti Quijada restored the lead with an assist from
Colton Parks.
Tristin Fox, last week's WWPA Offensive Player of the Week, added another goal with five seconds remaining in the half, giving the 'Birds a 6-4 lead at halftime.
Fresno Pacific took control in the third period behind an offensive explosion from Stermer. The freshman from Fresno scored five consecutive goals, including a penalty shot, as the 'Birds widened their advantage. Hernandez,
Chase Hammes and Sandino each assisted on three of Stermer's goals during the stretch. He was the sole Sunbird to score during those eight minutes.
"Five goals in any quarter is always amazing! He really stepped up and helped us get some breathing room to finish the game."
Toronto managed two goals in the final period, but the 'Birds answered with four more of their own.
Jimmy Johnston,
Jesse Bryan, Fox and Hernandez each found the back of the net as Fresno Pacific closed out the 15-9 victory. Hammes anchored the defense in the cage, recording nine saves, four steals and an assist.
The 'Birds improve to 3-10 overall and will continue tournament play at the Lancer Joust.
NEXT UP: Fresno Pacific wraps up the Lancer Joust with two matches on Saturday, September 26. First up, Cal State Fullerton at 9am, followed by tournament host Cal Baptist University (CBU) at 12pm.
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