MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's water polo team fell 15-11 to Fresno Pacific University on Saturday afternoon in its final home match until November.

The Bobcats (0-8) scored first but were unable to grab another lead once they fell behind.

Peterson was responsible for the Bobcats first goal on the opening possession and despite the loss he would finish the day with a hat trick. Andrew Jones also scored three goals, while William Pezold and Vincent Labonte scored two goals each.

Goalkeeper Matthew Lloyd was credited with ten saves.

Following the Bobcats first goal, FPU responded with back-to-back scores to erase the Bobcats advantage. Labonte tied the game midway through the first quarter and the two teams then traded goals over the final four minutes of the period resulting in a 4-4 tie.

FPU scored on their first possession of the second quarter and never looked back, adding three more before halftime to hold a 9-5 lead at intermission. Aydann Hambruch scored the Bobcats only goal of the second quarter converting a penalty shot.

The Sunbirds opened the third quarter with a goal on their first shot attempt and then after another score, Peterson got the Bobcats back on the board depositing a shot into the back of the net. However, FPU matched Peterson and they took at 12-6 lead midway through the period and the visitors owned a 14-7 lead heading to the fourth.

Camden Peterson opened up the fourth quarter scoring with a powerplay goal to complete his hat trick, but the Bobcats were held scoreless for approximately the next four minutes in the comeback attempt. Although FPU only scored one goal during that stretch as well, the Bobcats trailed 15-8 inside of four minutes. Jones scored back-to-back at the 3:42 and 3:13 mark to come within five and then Pezold scored the Bobcats final goal of the day with 1:42 remaining to make it 15-11. The Bobcats only managed one more shot in the closing stretch.

FPU goalkeeper Chase Hammes finished with 14 saves in the Sunbirds win.

Up next, UC Merced will begin play at the Gary Troyer Tournament against University of La Verne at Las Flores Pool in La Verne, Calif., on Friday, October 4. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:20pm.