SEATTLE - Fresno Pacific dropped its season opener 78-45 against a talented Seattle Pacific squad at the Sodexo Tip-Off Classic on Friday. The Sunbirds fell behind by as many as 18 points in the first half before battling back with a 16-6 run to cut the deficit to 40-32 at the break. The Falcons would start the second half on a 23-4 run, however, to break the game wide open.

"Seattle Pacific is a very well-coached and disciplined team with a great basketball tradition," said head coach Lindsey Wilson. "Though we're not satisfied with the result, it was a good early season test for us and exposed a lot of things we need to work on. We have to execute on both ends. When playing against a great team like SPU we have to do things right on both sides of the court."

Jenay Herring had 12 points to lead the Sunbirds with Taylor Caspers adding 10 to go with a team-high seven rebounds. Charde Stevens finished with eight points and six rebounds. FPU was limited to 25% shooting from the field, but was extremely efficient from the free-throw line, shooting 87% in the loss. SPU outscored FPU 38-13 in the second half, holding the Sunbirds to 14% shooting and just three field goals.

Suzanne Ohlsen had 14 points to lead SPU with Aubree Callen adding 13.

The road doesn't get any easier tomorrow, as FPU continues the tournament against nationally-ranked #15 Western Washington.