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Fresno Pacific had no problem putting away Holy Names on Tuesday night, blowing by the #16-ranked Hawks 5-1 in the home opener for FPU.

Paul Islas had two assists and a goal in the win as the Sunbirds (1-1) capitalized on their chances and controlled the game from start to finish.

Holy Names came in with a high ranking, riding last season's success which saw them reach the NAIA Quarterfinals. The Sunbirds on the other hand, though they return the bulk of last year's talent to go with a strong recruiting class, didn't receive a single vote in the first Top 25 poll.

None of that mattered on Tuesday night however, as FPU steadily picked apart the Hawks' defense before opening up the floodgates with three second-half goals after the Hawks had drawn within one.

The Sunbirds got on the board in the 25th minute on a goal that involved teamwork from Islas, Rodrigo Vianna and goal-scorer Michael Kuehter. Kuehter took an initial shot that was blocked, though it did just enough to get the defense off-balance and allow Islas to perfectly set him up for a second look, which he buried into the back of the net.

FPU took a 2-0 lead in the 39th minute when Fabricio Nazare dazzled the crowd with a soaring shot from 25 yards out that wasn't hit hard, but was placed perfectly giving the HNU keeper no chance. Freshman Eric Velarde set up the play, earning his first collegiate assist as the Sunbirds took the 2-0 lead into halftime.

The FPU defense had some hiccups throughout the night and in the 48th minute it cost them as they allowed HNU's Francisco Amorena to get loose and find a moving target in Rasmus Larsson who cut the Sunbird lead in half.

It would take just five minutes to get the goal back though as Islas delivered a beautiful curving corner and Bruno Pessoa rose above everyone to head it in and put the Sunbirds up 3-1.

The Sunbirds continued to pour it on in the game's final 15 minutes. Gustavo Silva gave the Hawks' defense trouble all night and after beating two defenders to get the ball in the box, was injured on an HNU frustration penalty. That gave the Sunbirds a penalty kick, taken by Vianna who easily drove it past the HNU keeper to make it 4-1.

The Hawks would have a chance to score in the 85th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick, but Larsson's shot went well wide of the goal.

Islas topped off the victory in the 89th minute, using his speed to get away from the Hawk defense and maneuvering around the goalie before tapping it in. Julian Mattaliano set up the final goal for his first assist.

The Sunbirds out-shot the Hawks 19-15 and got some strong play from their bench as well. Steven Waite earned the win in goal, finishing with five saves.

FPU continues its tough non-conference schedule this Friday, with a 7 pm match on the road at NCAA Division II opponent CSU Stanislaus.