Fresno Pacific had every opportunity to secure the program's first ever win against Azusa Pacific, but some tough breaks down the stretch led to a 2-1 Cougars victory. The Sunbirds (6-5-1, 4-3-1) led for the majority of the game after Rachelle Schiller buried a shot in the first half following a Mariah Montoya corner kick.

FPU held the lead until the 59th minute when a call went in APU's favor after midfielder Mayra Almazan went down in the box. The Cougars' Cara Scammon converted the PK to tie the game at 1-1, a score that would remain until the closing minutes when APU served up a lob shot into the top of the net with just 1:15 left in the game.

"Again we showed tonight that we can play with any team in the conference," said head coach Rob Podeyn. "This was a tough loss, giving up the winning goal in the final 1:15, but the effort and commitment we showed was truly inspiring and something I'm very proud of."

Selena Braun had a phenomenal match in goal for the Sunbirds, making nine saves. APU out-shot the Sunbirds 20-11, 10 of them coming from Almazan, as the Cougars improved to 9-2 overall, 5-2 in PacWest play.

The Sunbirds are back in action at home on Monday, facing Notre Dame de Namur at 5 pm.