Box Score
Senior Night Photos
Fresno Pacific celebrated the careers of five outstanding individuals, but the #23 Westmont Warriors would put a damper on senior night, defeating the Sunbirds 66-53.
It was the final home game for
Brittany Baker,
Michele Rebozzi,
Tineka Spencer,
Kelly Thompson and
Jessica Torrecillas, and all five started for the Sunbirds on Tuesday night.
Torrecillas scored 17 points and had nine rebounds, putting her at 1,487 points for her career. She needs eight more to surpass former Sunbird player and current assistant coach
Maurecia Crews (Clark) for second on FPU's all-time scoring list.
The Sunbirds (8-21, 1-18 GSAC) were in it for most of the game before a late run by the Warriors (20-7, 12-7 GSAC). FPU fell behind 11-4 in the first couple minutes, but got a spark from
Jenay Herring, coming off the bench for the first time this season.
Herring gave the team momentum with a couple of breakaway layups and
Breana Buczek tied the game with a three. Torrecillas gave the team the lead on a fastbreak layup after a steal by
Callie Rohrbacker. The Sunbirds extended the lead to 19-16 when Rebozzi broke free for a layup from Spencer.
Westmont would respond though, running its offense efficiently and stringing together a 15-2 run to take a commanding lead. Herring knocked down a three-pointer to bring the team within six and that would be the halftime deficit.
The closest FPU would come in the second half would be five, as
Sienna Gonzales and Thompson both drained three-pointers to make the score 38-33. Westmont with a 13-2 however and would not look back from there.
FPU shot a higher percentage on the night (36 to 34%), but turned the ball over 19 times in the loss. The Sunbirds continued their season-long excellence at the free-throw line, making 82.4%.
Spencer finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds and Herring added 11 points as well. The Sunbirds conclude the 2010-11 season on Saturday, traveling to #6 Cal Baptist.
2011 Sunbird seniors
Brittany Baker
A guard from Sacramento, California, Brittany has been an integral role player on four Fresno Pacific teams. A two-time NAIA Scholar Athlete, she's played in every game for the Sunbirds this season, totaling 62 points, 52 rebounds and 33 assists.
Coach Scholz says: Brittany is a sassy ball of fire…in the most positive of ways! After experiencing a heavy blow to her dreams and her pride through an injury last year, Brit has risen to the top of what seemed to be a devastating circumstance in her life. Her determination mixed with humility serve as a dynamic combination of qualities that will make a great impact beyond the basketball court. Her play never yielded anything less than full desire, full determination and full effort. Your drive, desire, and determination…along with your sassy humor, will be missed.
Michele Rebozzi
A guard from San Jose, California, Michele came to FPU in 2007 and has put together a stellar four-year career. She's totaled 774 points, 148 rebounds, 76 assists and 63 steals, while earning NAIA Scholar Athlete honors twice. Michele will go down as one of the best shooters in school history. Her 137 career three-pointers is 6th all-time at FPU.
Coach Scholz says: No one smiles more (even though she's possibly crying at this moment) than Michele Rebozzi. Along with having a contagious smile, she can flat out shoot the ball and can beat you in a game of horse, any day of the week. Her 3 point-shot, her smile, and warm personality will be greatly missed.
Tineka Spencer
A 6'2” post-player from Fresno, Tineka transferred to FPU in 2009. In two years she's scored 175 points and grabbed 111 rebounds, while solidifying the team's interior play.
Coach Scholz says: Tineka is a young woman who made a choice this year to take a few more risks than usual. She also chose to believe in herself a little more than usual. It's been a joy to watch Tineka accomplish more than she thought she could. She pushed herself outside of her comfort zone even when it seemed like a bad idea. Tineka's welcoming heart and joyful approach to life, as well as glimpses of her dominating presence in the post, will be missed.
Kelly Thompson
A forward from La Habra, California, Kelly transferred to FPU in 2009. She's started every game for the Sunbirds this season and has totaled 275 points, 260 rebounds and 84 assists in her career. She also earned NAIA Scholar Athlete honors this season.
Coach Scholz says: Kelly's the silent fighter. She may not say a whole lot but don't be surprised if she has a black eye and bloodied knees. She established herself as the workhorse of the team by fighting hard for rebounds, getting on the floor, and playing a consistently physical style of defense. Kelly, thanks for the blood, sweat, and skin that you've deposited here at FPU. Your toughness and willingness to get the job done will be missed.
Jessica Torrecillas
Jessica came to Fresno Pacific from San Jose, California in 2007 and has been the team's leading scorer and rebounder for three years. An NAIA All-American, two-time All-GSAC player and two-time NAIA Scholar Athlete, Jessica has totaled 1,470 points, 658 rebounds, 138 assists, 109 steals and 19 double-doubles in her career. She is among FPU's all-time leaders in points, rebounds, field goal percentage and free throw percentage and is 30 points away from becoming just the second player in school history to reach the 1500-point milestone.
Coach Scholz says: A true leader. Jessica embodies a rare combination of vocal leadership along with leading by example. As a basketball player, she's incredibly talented and a true joy to watch. Her presence, performance, and wonderful personality have left a lasting mark here at FPU and will be sorely missed.
