FRESNO, Calif. - Alvaro Nogales scored three goals and Joey Belzil added two as Fresno Pacific steamrolled visiting Dominican, 7-2, in PacWest action on Wednesday night at Ramirez Field. The Sunbirds scored early and often, building up a 5-0 lead before backing off and emptying the bench.

FPU improves to 7-1-2 overall and 4-0-1 in the PacWest with the win, while DUC falls to 1-9 overall and 1-4 in league action. The Sunbirds sit atop the PacWest standings with 13 points after five games.

Jorge Chedraui (46') and Isaiah Asencio (41') also scored for the Sunbirds, while Dylan Rusconi added two assists. The Sunbirds out-shot the Penguins 19-16 on the night, which included a 10-7 advantage in shots on goal.

"We have been talking about our starting group setting the tone offensively, and tonight was a great example of that," said head coach Jaime Ramirez. "We have a lot of chemistry right now with our starters and our first group of substitutes, and the guys really moved the ball well and made great decisions. Our defense also played well tonight, I am very pleased with our organization and communication."

Nogales netted the game's opening goal in the 24th minute with a left-footed blast from 30 yards out that curved into the upper corner. The senior scored his second goal five minutes later, this time assisted by Rusconi and Chedraui. Nogales finished off the hat trick with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Belzil's scores came 12 seconds apart from each other in the 73rd minute.

"This was a veteran performance from Alvaro tonight," said Ramirez. "He has been playing tremendous these last few weeks without finding the back of the net, so to see him record a hat trick is huge for us."

The Sunbirds led 3-0 at the intermission. The seven goals mark a season-high and also marks the highest total since FPU scored six times against Holy Names last season on Oct. 2.

Andrew Luis started in goal and made five saves for the Sunbirds.

It was a physical game that featured 35 fouls and seven yellow cards between the two teams.

FPU is back in action at home this Saturday, taking on Point Loma at 7:30 pm.