FRESNO, Calif. - A first half goal by Sergi Nus held up for Fresno Pacific as the Sunbirds put together a strong defensive effort in a 1-0 shutout victory over Notre Dame de Namur on Monday night at Ramirez Field.
 
FPU improves to 10-2-2 overall and 7-1-1 in the PacWest with the win. The Sunbirds also move into sole possession of first place in the conference standings with 22 points, just ahead of Dixie State with 20 points. NDNU falls to 5-6-1 overall and 3-3-1 in league play.
 
"I thought we had a number of guys that possessed the desire to make the extra effort tonight," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "This was our third game in five days against teams that were contenders that made us work in a grueling manner. I was very proud of our defensive effort tonight. Andrew (Luis) made several nice saves for us and the defense was well organized in the back that didn't give them the clarity that normally you look for when pushing for the equalizer."
 
Nus headed in the goal in the 31st minute off a corner kick from Alvaro Nogales in what would prove to be the game-winner for the Sunbirds. It was the first career score for the freshman defender. 
 
Andrew Luis turned in a quality performance in goal for FPU and finished with six saves to record the shutout. It marks his third shutout of the season and the Sunbirds fourth clean sheet overall.
 
The back line of Martin Kams, Emmanuel Ochoa, Dallas Whitlow and Nus held off the Argos the final 59 minutes of action as NDNU fought hard for the equalizer. FPU forced the NDNU offense offside four times on the evening.
 
FPU out-shot the Argos 14-13, but NDNU held an advantage in shots on goal 6-5.
 
The Sunbirds are back in action at home this Saturday when they take on Cal Baptist at 7:30 pm.