TAMPA, Fla. — The Sailfish faced a tough challenge against Colorado Mesa University, falling 18–12 in a non-conference clash at Naimoli Stadium on Saturday. Despite the setback, PBA's offense shone with four unassisted goals and a season-high of 15 faceoff wins.

Braylon Baker led the charge, netting a career-high six goals from 12 shots, with eight on target. Patrick Law chipped in with two goals, shooting eight times and hitting the mark six times. Cooper Porter added an extra-man goal on his sole attempt, while Noah Zimmerman orchestrated the attack with a career-high three assists, boosting the 'Fish's scoring chances.

The Sailfish started strong, clinching the opening faceoff and seizing an early lead with a goal by Law at 13:43. Yet, Colorado Mesa quickly countered with a goal spree, moving ahead 5–1 midway through the quarter.

Not backing down, the 'Fish rallied late in the quarter. Baker struck twice—first at 2:09 with Tyler Degirolamo's first assist of the season, and again at 1:31 with help from Giovanni Lubrano—closing the gap to 5–3. Colorado Mesa managed a late goal, ending the first quarter with PBA trailing 6–3.

The second quarter began with Colorado Mesa cashing in on an early extra-man opportunity. The 'Fish answered back with Donovan O'Toole finding the net shortly after, keeping the momentum alive.

After another goal by Jensen for Colorado Mesa, the Sailfish surged ahead with Bryce Downs scoring his first of the season and Baker adding another, thanks to assists from Zimmerman and Ethan Storey. This exchange tightened the score in an intense back-and-forth.

Law added to the 'Fish's tally, narrowing the gap to two. Although Eli Bibler of Colorado Mesa scored near the quarter's end, the 'Fish stayed steady, closing the half down 10–7.

The 'Fish came out firing in the third quarter as Degirolamo won the faceoff, allowing Baker to score, assisted by Eli Baffone, at 12:34. Baker struck again at 6:17, with Gabe Eckhart assisting, cutting the deficit further.

Even after a slashing penalty on Degirolamo, Jack Bryant's crucial saves during Colorado Mesa's extra-man chance kept the pressure on. Colorado Mesa regained their edge with goals from Erich Petersen and Jensen.

In the final moments, William Santella notched his first assist of the season, setting up Baker's third goal of the quarter at 00:18, maintaining the 'Fish's pursuit. The quarter concluded with PBA trailing by two, 12–10.

Colorado Mesa opened the fourth quarter with determination, winning the faceoff and scoring swiftly through Camden Moody, assisted by Nik Moore. They followed with Carson Points' goal, assisted by Stefan Dingbaum, widening their lead. The 'Fish hit back with an extra-man goal from Porter, assisted by Zimmerman, narrowing the gap. Eckhart added another, again assisted by Zimmerman, bringing it to a two-goal game.

However, Colorado Mesa regained control as Jack Cooper and Points scored consecutively, with Points capitalizing on a man-up opportunity. Despite the 'Fish's efforts, including shots by Baker and Ryan O'Dare, Colorado Mesa's defense held firm. The game wrapped up with a goal from Dillon Pless, assisted by Moody, cementing Colorado Mesa's lead. The final score showed a six-goal difference, with the 'Fish trailing 18–12.

The 'Fish are back in action tomorrow in Tampa as they take on Montevallo.