Box Score

FPU trimmed a 22-point deficit down to six in the final minute but fell 80-72 at #12 Vanguard in Costa Mesa on Saturday.

Keri Stephanoff had 21 points and nine rebounds, Jenay Herring scored 19 to go with seven assists and Kayla Clement added 14 points as the Sunbirds dropped to 13-15, 5-11 in GSAC play.

The Sunbirds trailed 68-46 with 7:25 remaining before outscoring the Lions 26-10 over the next seven minutes, quite an accomplishment on the road against a Vanguard team with a record of 20-5.

"We will battle until the end," said head coach Erin Scholz. "Our girls are learning to believe at all times and not be swayed by lapses of seeming defeat. The experience of being down 22 points and cutting it to six will serve us well in both the near future and in the long term."

FPU helped its cause by shooting 90 percent from the free-throw line (18-of-20), including an 11-of-12 night from Herring. The Sunbirds were outrebounded 47-36, with Brandi Blackwell grabbing 10 boards for FPU.

Esther Timmermans had 25 points to lead the Lions (20-5, 13-3 GSAC). Paige Halberg added 20 points and 11 assists.

The Sunbirds play at first-place (NAIA #6) Westmont on Tuesday night. The Warriors, led by likely GSAC player of the year Tugce Canitez, defeated the Sunbirds 80-68 in Fresno last month.