MERCED, Calif. — Fresno Pacific men's water polo wrapped up their opening weekend at the Bobcat Invite with a scrimmage against Cuesta College, followed by a spirited contest against Santa Clara on Friday afternoon. The Sunbirds showed their determination with three power-play goals, though Santa Clara's eight-goal surge in the third quarter sealed the victory for them.
Santa Clara took control early in the first quarter, establishing a 3-0 lead. Freshman
Ryder Stermer was the first 'Bird to dent the twine, assisted by
Joey Brocar, at the 1:33 mark. The Broncos responded with two more goals to end the first quarter up, 5-1.
In the second quarter, the Sunbirds attempted a comeback with dual goals by
Yanti Quijada and rallied against Sant Clara's 7-3 lead at the half.
As the game progressed,
Tristin Fox scored his first hat trick of the season and added an assist, along with
Colton Parks own goal in the final period. Despite the 'Birds efforts, Santa Clara continued its offensive dominance in the third and fourth quarter, closing the game with a 23-7 victory over FPU.
In the cage,
Chase Hammes made nine saves overall for Fresno Pacific.
NEXT UP: Fresno Pacific heads to the Inland Empire Classic from September 4-5.
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