Box Score

The Sunbirds got a career performance from senior Ashley Bonenfant, but could not take down the PacWest's top team in an 86-66 loss on senior night.

"This senior class has been huge for us. They have gone through a lot in their career and when we came in as a new coaching staff we changed a ton. And that is hard to do when you have been doing things a certain way for three years," said head coach Lindsey Wilson. "I give a lot of credit to our seniors and they have all been a huge part of our program and have been a huge part of our success."

FPU (9-13, 9-7 PacWest) got a season and career-high 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from Bonenfant who played 16 minutes. Jenay Herring led the Sunbirds in scoring for the fourth time in six games with 19 points. Another senior, Breana Buczek, pulled down 13 rebounds, blocked two shots and now sits three shy of fourth place all-time in FPU history for career blocks with 84.

Despite being drastically outsized FPU held their own on the boards pulling down 40 rebounds, matching the Urban Knights (19-6, 16-1 PacWest). It marked the 11th time in the last 13 games that the Sunbirds have either tied or outrebounded their opponent.

The Sunbirds led by three at 19-16 with 12:32 remaining in the first half before the Urban Knights went on a 27-10 run over the next 10 minutes. Down 14 with under two minutes to go FPU got a boost from freshman Brooke Vidmar who took two steals coast-to-coast and helped spark an 8-0 run to close out the half.

Fresno Pacific hung tough against one of the top teams in the West Region, but with 8:12 remaining AAU began a 10-0 run to push the lead from nine to 19. The Urban Knights scored six of the 10 points on the fast-break where they held a 22-12 advantage overall.

Krystal Forthan finished the night leading all scorers with 25 points while pulling down 10 rebounds for her 10th straight double-double.

FPU closes out its home season going 5-5 at the FPU Events Center in conference play, the first time the Sunbirds have had a .500 or better record at home in conference since 2009-2010.

It was the final home game for seniors Bonenfant, Buczek, Brandi Blackwell, Sienna Gonzales, Patrice Saindon and Callie Rohrbacker.

"The things we have done have been great, but we have to understand as a team that we can't be happy with that," said Wilson. "We still have four games, and four games we think we should win. They are four huge games for us and we have to rally from two straight losses and take care of business in Hawaii."

Fresno Pacific will head to Hawaii on Saturday where they begin a four-game road trip to the islands. The Sunbirds will look to avenge a loss to BYU Hawaii in Laie at 7:00 p.m. on February 22. 

Senior Night Comments from Coach Wilson:

Brandi Blackwell

"Brandi has taken her role and relished in it. She does a great job at keeping people motivated and encouraging her teammates. Her dance moves
will be greatly missed."

Ashley Bonenfant

"Ashley is always gives 110% both on the court and in the classroom. She is one of the hardest working players this year. She also makes the coaches' hair look great each game."

Breana Buczek

"Bre has been a solid piece of our success all year. Her effort and ability to make big defensive plays at crucial moments has been huge for us all season."

Sienna Gonzales

"Sienna is a true example of what an FPU Sunbird is, she excels on the court and in the classroom. She is also a positive leader both on and
off the court."

Callie Rohrbacker

"Callie has been a supportive teammate all year. She has a knack for knocking down the long ball and is always ready when the team has needed her."

Patrice Saindon

"Patrice has been our floor general since day one. She is one of the top point guards in our conference and great things happen when the ball is in
her hands. She also is a greatly improved defender. She will be greatly missed."