The Sunbird women's soccer team made it five wins in a row Monday afternoon after defeating Menlo College of Atherton 6-0 in a well-balanced performance. Six different players scored to help FPU secure the shutout win and improve to 5-1 on the season.
Fresno Pacific senior Ida Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute on a direct free kick from 25 yards out. Rodriguez drove her shot low and hard past the wall and into the left hand corner of the Menlo goal giving FPU the early 1-0 lead.
Junior transfer Natalie Chaney doubled the Sunbirds first half tally just five minutes later after converting a rebounded ball that fell to her feet inside the Oaks penalty box. Chaney buried the half-chance to give FPU the 2-0 halftime advantage.
The Sunbirds would come out even stronger in the second half of play.
FPU senior Danielle Dickie headed in a corner kick in the 66th minute off senior Diana Ortega's service, followed by senior Ashley Sherr who scored her sixth goal of the season on a blast from 20 yards out. Sherr's 72nd minute goal ties former Sunbird Jamie Peterson's (Belmont) record for total career points with 77 (30 goals/17 assists).
Fresno Pacific freshman Stephanie Olff nodded in her own header off another well-served Ortega corner kick in the 79th minute making it a 5-0 scoreline.
Freshman Demi Hamilton wrapped up the Sunbird scoring in the 87th minute after converting a through pass played by fellow freshman Katherine Barreto. Hamilton slotted the ball past the oncoming Oaks goalkeeper for the 6-0 final score.
The Sunbirds' dominance was evident reflected by a 27-7 shot advantage and the bulk of possession.
FPU goalkeeper Catherine Michaelis recorded 5 saves on the afternoon and posted her fourth shutout of the season with the victory.
"We are really pleased with today's result," FPU head coach Erik Farfan said. "Our combination and possession play are continuing to improve, we had six different players score today, and it's great to see the team earn another shutout together."
