Box Score

Fresno Pacific sent its 10 seniors out in style on Saturday as the Sunbirds put together their ninth shutout of the season and got two goals from Amanda Hudec in a 2-0 win at Academy of Art.

The Sunbirds (9-7-1, 7-4-1 PacWest) ended the season on a three-match winning streak to finish in a tie for fourth place in the PacWest standings and post a winning record for the first time since 2009.

"We're really proud of our team this year," said head coach Erik Farfan. "Especially for the way we were able to finish. It was a big improvement over last year, both in terms of our record and our competitiveness."

Hudec scored in the 13th and 58th minute, with both goals assisted by senior Kelly Nikkel who continued her sparkling offensive play to finish the year as the team's leader in goals and assists. That would be more than enough, as the Sunbird defense thwarted ARTU chances throughout the day.

"Our goal today was to send our seniors out on a positive note," said Farfan. "It was bittersweet, as we were really hoping to qualify for postseason play this year, but regardless we're proud of the way this team performed and know that they've done a great job building the foundation for the program going forward."

Senior goalkeeper Sarah King shined in her final game as a Sunbird and will graduate as the program's all-time leader in career shutouts and goals-against average. She's also second all-time in career saves, just 10 behind program leader Audra Carter.

"Sarah's been instrumental over the past couple years," said Farfan. "She leaves some very big shoes to fill."

Academy of Art dropped to 3-14-1, 2-9-1 in the PacWest with the loss.

The Sunbirds will now take some time off before focusing on the spring schedule and the 2014 season. FPU has a number of promising young players returning in 2014, led by two of the team's defensive stars Caressa Archie and Alyssa Nakaguchi. Also back will be freshman forward Amber Rodriguez, who tied for team lead in assists this season.