Box Score

Fresno Pacific managed just two shots on goal in a 3-0 loss at top-seeded Azusa Pacific in the first round of the GSAC playoffs on Tuesday, ending the Sunbirds' season.

FPU, which finishes the season at 5-11-2, surrendered two first half goals to the NAIA's #3-ranked Cougars and struggled to get anything going offensively, being out-shot 19-4 in total shots and 11-2 in shots on goal.

Heidi Witschi put the Cougars ahead in the 27th minute with a perfectly-place shot from 24 yards out. Emily Wood tacked on another goal six minutes later to give APU the 2-0 lead, after a long free kick was played into the box.

After having no shots on goal in the first half, Mariah Alvidrez got a shot to the goal in the 52nd minute that was saved. The only other shot on goal for FPU would come by Jessica Pereschica with 13 seconds left in her final college game.

APU's Brittany Flanagan gave the Cougars a 3-0 lead in the 71st minute, converting a one-on-one opportunity against FPU goalie Catherine Michaelis. Michaelis made five saves in the second half, while Sarah King made three saves in goal in the first half.

Azusa Pacific moves on to the conference semifinals where they will host #4-seed Concordia, who defeated Point Loma Nazarene in overtime.

The Sunbirds have much to look forward to in 2011, though Pereschica's offense and leadership will be tough to replace. FPU will bring back the core of its team though, including its leading goal scorer in Alvidrez, its top two defenders in Maghan Wright and Jae Slocum, both goalkeepers, and talented midfielders like Tori Alvarez, Ashley Tallon and Nayeli Deniz.

GSAC First-Round Playoff Results
#4 Concordia (H) 1, #5 Point Loma Nazarene 0 (ot)
#2 The Masters (H) 1, #7 Westmont 0 (ot)
#1 Azusa Pacific (H) 3, #8 Fresno Pacific 0
#3 California Baptist (H) 3, #6 Biola 1

GSAC Tournament Semifinals, Friday
#4 Concordia at #1 Azusa Pacific, 2:00 pm
#3 California Baptist at #2 The Masters, 2:00 pm