Box Score

Fresno Pacific sent out its seniors in style on Saturday as Kelly Nikkel scored two goals and Sarah King made 12 saves to lead FPU past Point Loma 2-1 in the final home game for 10 seniors.

The Sunbirds improved to 7-7-1 on the season with the win and went above .500 in PacWest play at 5-4-1.

"Today was about getting back on the right track," said head coach Erik Farfan. "We've had a couple tight matches that we ended up on the losing end of, which was disappointing, so for the girls to come out on their senior day and play the way they did was huge. We talked about making this a special day and something they could remember and be proud of and the whole team contributed to this win."

Nikkel got the scoring going in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a one-on-one situation after a beautiful through ball by fellow senior Sarah Reed.

The Sea Lions (8-7-1, 6-4-1 PacWest) would answer just five minutes later however on a goal by Dottie Rhoten. The teams would go into the half tied 1-1.

Nikkel delivered the game-winner in the 65th minute. Amber Rodriguez did great work in the midfield and played the ball off to Nikkel who went at the defenders, maneuvered around into the box and took a great shot from the left side to the right corner of the net.

"For all of us seniors we just wanted to come out today and work really hard together to get a win and end on a really great note," said Nikkel. "It was icing on the cake that I got to be the goal-scorer."

The Sea Lions upped the pressure in the final 25 minutes but were halted by a staunch Sunbird defense led by a rock-solid backline and King in goal.

"It was great having all the seniors on the field at one time," said King. "We played with a lot of heart. The defense in front of me all played together as a unit and I'm thankful for them."

It was the final home game for King, Nikkel, Brianna Reyes, Sarah Reed, Haley Tallon, Ashley Tallon, Nayeli Deniz, Jessica Castillo, Sara Vega and Clara Buettner.

The Sunbirds now travel to the Bay Area to take on Holy Names this Thursday at 1 pm in Oakland.