FRESNO, Calif. – Andrew Luis and the Fresno Pacific defense recorded the first shutout of the season to down Hawaii Hilo 2-0 Thursday at Ramirez Field. The Sunbirds received two first-half goals from Jorge Chedraui and Alvaro Nogales in the PacWest win.

FPU improves to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in conference action, while the Vulcans fall to 2-3-1 overall and 0-1 in league play.

"I was really pleased with our defensive effort," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "Anytime you get a shutout, especially a 2-0 shutout against a difficult team is fantastic. Hawaii Hilo has a lot of energy, is very physical and is a very gritty team. They made it difficult for us to establish a greater offensive rhythm. The two goals we got in the first half stood up, but it was a bit dangerous for us."

The Sunbirds received their first goal of the match from Jorge Chedraui, the reigning PacWest Player of the Week, in the 13th minute. He tallied his fourth score in two games and fifth of the season after finding the back of the net on a deflected shot from Guillermo Talancon, who was credited with an assist.

FPU tacked on its second of the game in the 39th minute on an Alvaro Nogales penalty kick. He was awarded the free kick following a takedown of Chedraui in the box by the Vulcans. It marked Nogales' third goal of the season and second nailed penalty on the season.

The Sunbird defense was the difference maker in the second period, led by Luis in goal. He recorded two saves, the first in the 68th minute and another in the 89th to secure the shutout. The back line, led by Dallas Whitlow, Nick Watson, Martin Kams and Eddie Cabral, gave the Vulcan offense trouble throughout the half with their physicality. The defense also drew UHH offside five times on the afternoon.

"Our team worked well together tonight," said defender Dallas Whitlow. "It starts with Andrew (Luis), who had a solid game behind us, and it goes forward from there. It was good to get the clean sheet and boost the morale as we move into Saturday."

The Sunbirds take on Chaminade in the PacWest Game of the Week on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ramirez Field. Both squads sit atop the standings in the PacWest at 2-0 in conference action. The game is slated to begin at 5:00 p.m.