Sunbirds fall to No. 11 Concordia and No. 17 Cal Baptist
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Fresno Pacific (14-13) finished their third season improved from a year ago despite dropping their final two matches at the NAIA National Invitational. The Sunbirds fell to No. 11 Concordia (26-5) 5-14, but came back to push No. 17 Cal Baptist (23-7) to the very end before falling 10-11.
Both opponents are ranked among NCAA Div. I, II and III teams in the national rankings, so the Sunbirds finished the season with difficult games against the only two other NAIA water polo programs.
The Sunbirds even led over the Lancers through halftime 5-4, but fell behind as much as 6-11 at one point in the fourth quarter. Fresno Pacific managed to surge back on Cal Baptist, but ran out of time before they could come all the way back from behind five goals. The Sunbirds pulled within one before the clock ran out.
Concordia came out ready for the Sunbirds as they jumped ahead 9-3 over the Sunbirds at halftime. Fresno Pacific could not dig out of the deficit as the Eagles cruised to a 14-5 victory over the Sunbirds.
Gabe Calderon led the Sunbirds with four goals on the day with three coming against Cal Baptist.
Glen Lyon also had three goals over Cal Baptist.
Riley Warner took the goalie cage in both games for the Sunbirds. Warner finished with 17 total saves, where three saves came on five-meter shots.
Coach Brian Suhovy commented, “We played well. It was a great weekend against two ranked teams. I was proud of how much we’ve improved this season to be able to contend with strong teams.”
Last season the Sunbirds finished 11-13 where this season they finished 14-13. The Sunbirds finish above .500 for the first time in program history.