COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Sunbird women's basketball team made a valiant effort to make the playoffs, but fell to a strong #2 Vanguard squad 70-49 in the first round of the GSAC tournament.

Nationally ranked Vanguard came out firing on all cylinders and was able to take the lead as well as control of the game early-on. The Lions led throughout the entire contest and were ahead 40-21at the half. They continued to put the Sunbirds under pressure in the second half, eventually going on to win by a comfortable 21 points.

The Sunbirds were led by senior guard Samantha Cardeno who put up a team high 17 points on the night. Sophomore forward Jessica Torrecillas also contributed for FPU with 13 points, and was strong in the paint snatching 7 rebounds. Senior guard Bricali Cooley netted in double-digits as well with 12 points in the contest.

Credit to FPU head coach Meredith Pulliam, her staff, and this year's Sunbird squad which had an incredible turn around from last season. This year's Fresno Pacific team improved remarkably from a 2-18 GSAC record in the 2007-2008 campaign to a 9-11 GSAC finish (13-15 overall) this season, and a playoff appearance to boot. Congratulations on a successful season and well done!