Box Score

Three first-half goals would prove to be too much to overcome as Fresno Pacific fell 3-1 to #18 Westmont on senior night. The Sunbirds showed significant improvement in the second half, out-shooting the Warriors 12-8 and creating many chances, but the team couldn't dig its way out of the early hole.

The Sunbirds dropped to 2-6 in league play (6-7 overall) and regardless of what happens on Saturday at Concordia, will be the #8 seed when the GSAC playoffs begin next week, meaning they will play at GSAC champion Point Loma Nazarene on Tuesday.

It was the final home game for six seniors, who would honored prior to the game:  Catherine Michaelis, Natalie Chaney, Jennifer Dougherty, Tori Alvarez, Colleen Rooney, and Jae Slocum. Michaelis will graduate as the program's all-time career leader in goals-against average.
 
There was early action on the pitch as the Warriors jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead two minutes into the 1st half. Westmont forward Ashley Correa fired a shot off the post, just out of the reach of Michaelis, leading to a quick rebound shot by Christine Adams, her first of the season.
 
The Warriors continued to attack early in the match as Michaelis recorded three saves to keep the score at 1-0. The Warriors would break through in the 37th minute as Adams once again buried a pass from Correa. Just a minute and a half later, FPU was called for a foul in the box and after an Alison Hensley penalty kick, suddenly found themselves down 3-0. The first half ended with that score, despite six first-half saves by Michaelis.
 
The Sunbird offense would come alive early in the second half as freshman Erica Villa blasted in her first collegiate goal. Natalie Chaney created the opportunity with a shot off the crossbar that she then redirected to Villa for the shot from above the box.
 
FPU would continue to make several runs on the offensive side, highlighted by the great footwork of Slocum wowing the crowd, but they would be unable to salvage another goal. Sara Vega would also excite the crowd with a long penalty shot from about 35 yards out with 14 minutes left, but Westmont goalie Lindsey Smith made a fingertip save to keep the score at 3-1. Smith finished with nine saves on the night.

Sarah King, who replaced Michaelis in the second half, would play a strong half at goal to keep the Sunbirds within striking distance with three saves.
 
Chaney would finish with five shots on the night with Slocum adding three. Rooney also provided a stable defensive presence throughout the match.
 
The Sunbirds will finish off league play in Irvine this Saturday as they take on #13 Concordia at 12:00 p.m., looking to gain some momentum before entering the GSAC tournament next week.