The Sunbirds put forth a quality effort, but lost their first two games of the Lancer Invite on Friday in Riverside, falling 10-4 against #18 University of the Pacific and 9-6 to Redlands.

"We fought hard and never let down," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "They were tough losses but we're proud of how hard the girls worked today." 

Fresno Pacific spread the ball around offensively, Jenn Wolter being the only Sunbird to score two goals. Jaimie Lugo, Michelle Kaplan, Nicolette Haley, Jennifer Cobb, Brittney Guerrero, Melissa Perry, and Krista Loper each had one. In the cage, Dani Mortimer had 26 saves.

In the first game of the day, against UOP, the Sunbirds were right with the Tigers, though it was clear who was in control. FPU showed their best performance yet against the NCAA #18 team in the 10-4 loss.

"We were fired up and wanted to play hard and we did," said Suhovy. "They've beaten us by 13 or 14 goals in the past, so it was a good effort for us." 

In the 9-6 loss versus Redlands, Fresno Pacific trailed the #2 NCAA Div. III team for most of the game, but did finish well, outscoring the Bulldogs 2-1 in the last quarter. 

"They played a little more aggressive than us, with a little more energy," said Suhovy. "It was their first game of the day, our second, and it showed on the scoreboard. We fought hard, though. We never let down." 

The tournament continues tomorrow, as the Sunbirds take on LaVerne and Cal Baptist.