Box Score

Aeriel Sanders scored her first career goal, but Fresno Pacific dropped its PacWest opener 3-1 at home to defending conference champ California Baptist.

FPU (0-3-1) struggled in the first half, being outshot 13-3 and falling behind 2-0, but the Sunbirds fought back and played exceptionally well in the second, outshooting the Lancers 7-6.

"We didn't start the first half the way we wanted," said head coach Erik Farfan. "I thought we reorganized well at halftime, got out and made some adjustments and played a little higher up the field with our three forwards while increasing our pressure."

Sanders found the net off a pass from Haley Tallon in the 64th minute, firing a shot from the top of the box into the center of the net. The Sunbirds would have plenty of chances to tie it up, but the Lancer defense would hold strong before eventually adding a third goal on a counterattack.

Lindsay Vesling finished with two assists for the Lancers, who improved to 2-1-1 on the season. CBU is also ranked #1 nationally in the NCCAA.

The Sunbirds host another top PacWest foe, Grand Canyon, on Saturday at 7:30 pm at Ramirez Field.