Box Score

Fresno Pacific suffered a 3-1 defeat at Dominican on Wednesday, snapping a 7-game streak that saw the Sunbirds go without a loss.

Freshman Lauren Gollnick finished with a hat-trick as the Penguins (5-4-1, 4-2-1 PacWest) succeeded where many teams have failed this season and broke through the Sunbird defense.

The Sunbirds (4-4-4, 4-2-3 PacWest) got a 33rd minute equalizer goal from Sara Vega, but were unable to contain the Dominican offense the way they did in last week's 0-0 double overtime tie with the Penguins in Fresno.

"We didn't show up ready to play and it showed on the field," said head coach Erik Farfan. "You can't do that in the PacWest and expect to win. Credit to Dominican, they scored a beautiful first goal and earned a well-deserved win. We really struggled to find our ability to consistently compete."

Gollnick scored the first goal in the 17th minute on a deep shot over keeper Sarah King. Vega would respond for the Sunbirds in the 33rd minute, penetrating from midfield and taking a shot from 25 yards out with her left foot to the left side of the net.

The score would only remain tied for six minutes though as Gollnick struck again after an FPU defensive breakdown to send the Penguins into the half with the 2-1 lead.

Gollnick added one more for good measure in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a 50-50 ball and breaking away before the defense had time to react.

It was FPU's first loss since a 3-0 setback vs. California Baptist on September 13.

"I'm really proud of the seven-game run we were on," said Farfan. "At this point, every match is going to make a difference. Today we hit a roadblock, but we have a few days off and we will come out ready for Azusa next week."

FPU hosts Azusa Pacific on October 18 at 7:30 pm. The FPU seniors have had that game circled on their calendars all season. Since the program's inception in 2001, the Sunbirds have never defeated the Cougars.