Box Score 1
Box Score 2

Fresno Pacific's three seniors each had standout days as the team concluded its season by taking third at the 2012 National Invitational at Sunnyside Aquatic Center. Every Sunbird player scored during a 19-2 win over Vanguard in the morning, before Concordia defeated FPU 10-4 later in the day.

Seniors Krista Loper and Katlin Hicks each scored a team-high four goals on the day in their final collegiate games. FPU's other senior, goalie Charissa Gurnea, made 15 saves in the win over Vanguard.

"The first game was good, the girls had a lot of fun, they came out hard and it showed on the boards," said head coach Bryan Suhovy, following the team's most lopsided win of the season. "It was great to see all the girls get in and get a lot of playing time and it made for a great senior day game."

The Sunbirds opened that game on an 11-0 run before Vanguard could score its first goal. The second game was the opposite as FPU fell behind 5-1 at halftime and was trailing 9-1 to Concordia before playing well over the final 10 minutes. Kelsie Harvey played very well in goal, making 14 saves.

"The pressure of being the last game of the season and wanting to do well I think just got the best of us," said Suhovy. "We came out a little more back on our heels than we wanted to and that showed in the first half. In the second half, we came out and played a lot harder. We're proud of the girls for the growth that they've made this season."

The Sunbirds took third place in the tournament and finish the season with a record of 9-25. Cal Baptist was the tournament champion, Concordia took second, Azusa Pacific 4th and Vanguard 5th.

FPU returns the majority of its team next season, including its leading goal scorer Jaimie Lugo and starting goalie Kelsie Harvey.

It was senior day for FPU's Charissa Gurnea, Krista Loper and Katlin Hicks, and Suhovy spoke about each one after the game.

Charissa Gurnea
"She really stepped up for us and over the last two years has had an amazing amount of growth. The experience she came in with and the experience she's leaving with....she's a completely different goalie altogether. She's just been a blessing to have on the team. The spirit that she brings, the intensity she brings and the love she has for all the girls has made her a joy to coach."

Krista Loper
Krista has really broken out of her shell this year and been a key player this whole season. Just the love she has for the team and the game and everything....as well the leadership that she brought as one of our team captains. She really had a breakout season, was aggressive all year long and its been exciting to have her here.

Katlin Hicks
This was her first year in collegiate ball after being out of the water for a few years. Katlin had tremendous growth this season, becoming an impact player for us. As a captain the leadership and intensity she brought and the unity that her and Krista working together brought to the team was awesome. We're proud of all three of them and we're going to miss them dearly.



Other Final Scores
Cal Baptist 15, Azusa Pacific 5
Cal Baptist 14, Concordia 7
Azusa Pacific 14, Vanguard 3