BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia — Fresno Pacific University men’s water polo team secured a narrow 13-12 victory over Gannon on September 13, 2026, at The Bridge Aquatics Center to close out the Salem Invitational tournament.
The Sunbirds mounted a strong offensive effort, scoring four goals each in the second and third quarters and completing the match with 38 shots compared to Gannon’s 34. Fresno Pacific capitalized on opportunities by converting four power-play goals and one penalty-shot goal during the tightly contested game.
Tristin Fox led the Sunbirds’ attack with six goals on 11 shots, adding two steals and drawing three exclusions, marking a season-high for him. Utility player Ryder Stermer contributed two goals and three assists, along with defensive plays including one steal, a field block, and an exclusion drawn. Jake Canales scored three goals on four shots, including a penalty shot conversion in the fourth quarter, complemented by an assist and a field block. Goalkeeper Chase Hammes posted a season-best 14 saves, vital to the Sunbirds’ defensive effort.
The match unfolded with Gannon initiating the scoring, but Fresno Pacific quickly took control with four consecutive goals in the first quarter. Both teams traded goals throughout, with Fresno Pacific maintaining a slim lead heading into the final quarter. Key late goals by Canales and Yanti Quijada, a power-play goal in the fourth quarter, helped secure the Sunbirds’ victory.
Over the Salem Invitational tournament, Fox accumulated 20 goals scoring at least four goals in every match and five steals overall. Freshman Stermer recorded two hat tricks and totaled eight goals. Hammes was instrumental between the posts with a total of 44 saves and 11 steals for the event. Fresno Pacific finished the tournament with an overall record of 2-7, earning wins against Salem and Gannon, both Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) opponents.
Looking ahead, Fresno Pacific is scheduled to compete in the Fullerton Mini tournament in Southern California starting September 18, with matches against Cal State Fullerton, Brown University, and Cal Lutheran.
CSB Take
Fresno Pacific University men’s water polo team showcased resilience and opportunistic scoring in a narrow victory over Gannon to cap the Salem Invitational. Tristin Fox’s offensive leadership and Chase Hammes’ goalkeeping were pivotal in a close contest that highlighted the team’s potential in WWPA play. The Sunbirds will seek to build momentum as they prepare for the Fullerton Mini tournament, aiming to improve their record and gain valuable experience against strong competition.
Source: Original report
