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FPU snapped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday night, defeating visiting Menlo College 5-0. Mariah Alvidrez scored three goals in the win and Jessica Pereschica added a goal and two assists for the Sunbirds (2-4).

The Sunbirds started the game off with intensity and kept the attack up all night. The defense kept Menlo from getting any shot on goal attempts for the first ten minutes of the game as Ashley Tallon and Nayeli Deniz showed off some excellent footwork while defending and controlling the ball. Tallon had a good look at a potential goal early-on but it was Jessica Pereschica who scored the first goal on a breakaway shot in the 16th minute.

Just one minute later, Mariah Alvidrez scored her first goal of the season, a header off of a cross shot from Pereschica. Alvidrez scored again three minutes later, taking a ball from Jae Slocum, dribbling it past a defender and burying a shot to the left side.

“It was exciting and good to know how to score the college level,” said Alvidrez. “It feels good to be back.”

Substitutes were put in halfway through the first half, but it didn't throw off the team chemistry as the Sunbirds got many more chances off before taking a 3-0 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Tiffany Espinosa and Clara Buettner did a good job of keeping the ball control in the Sunbirds' favor. The Sunbirds would strike again in the 76th minute when Pereschica found Alvidrez for her third goal of the night.

Shortly after, Demi Hamilton put together one of the best individual plays of the night, breaking away from the defense and taking a shot from at least 25 yards out that soared over the goalkeeper's head. Hamilton and Sarah Reed had great teamwork throughout the second half to keep the pressure on the Oaks' defense.