Fresno Pacific notched its first win on the season with a 3-0 shutout of the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters behind a phenomenal all-around performance from the Sunbirds.

“It's exciting to finally get the win,” said head coach Jaime Ramirez. “It's fantastic to get the shutout at home too.”

Fresno Pacific (1-1) was powered by a great effort from the back four and senior goalkeeper Steven Waite which led to great opportunities the other way for senior forward Paul Islas and the Sunbird offense.

After taking the first 15 minutes to settle into the game Fresno Pacific started to find their rhythm pushing a number of balls forward including one that had a chance to go in if not for a phenomenal leaping save by Otters goalkeeper Cory Calder.

The Sunbirds finally broke through in the 40th minute when Islas found senior midfielder Fabricio Nazare who put it past Calder to give Fresno Pacific the 1-0 lead.

“When we get the quick passes in the midfield to build up we get a lot of those guys through,” said junior defender Luke Tyler.

Cal State Monterey Bay (0-1) pushed back quickly finding a couple of decent looks but Waite kept the Otters at bay heading into the half.

It didn't take long for the Sunbirds to get back into rhythm in the second half as freshman Alvaro Nogales fought the ball away from an Otter defender and found Islas who in turn found the back of the net.

Cal State Monterey Bay again pushed forward but with unconvicing play in the final third Fresno Pacific was able to turn around quickly which led to a number of excellent chances to increase their lead.

In the 63rd minute with the Sunbirds trying to force the issue the players were greeted to a bath thanks to an irrigation malfunction when the sprinkler system suddenly turned on. It did not immediately stop play however and FPU capitalized pushing the ball forward into the dry half of the field where sophomore Guillermo Talancon found Islas who scored his second goal on the night.

The third goal ignited a run of attacks from the Otters who were desperate to come away with a goal, but the backline for the Sunbirds and in particular Tyler were staunch and allowed very little to make it to Waite.

“To make those plays and preserve the shutout shows our determination and dedication,” said Ramirez.

Cal State Monterey Bay had tied NCAA Division I San Jose State 2-2 in an exhibition last week.

Fresno Pacific will be back in action at home next Saturday when they take the pitch against Cal State San Marcos at 7 pm.