Though it didn't end the way Fresno Pacific would have scripted it, first-year head coach Rob Podeyn and the Sunbirds cemented themselves as a program on the rise this season. The Sunbirds fell 2-1 in double overtime on a golden goal by Dixie State in an emotion-filled senior night on Saturday, but even with the loss the team's 9-6-2 record tied the best overall winning percentage in program history set by the 2004 team.

DSU took the lead in the 33rd minute and led 1-0 until Bianka Garcia netted the equalizer for FPU in the 64th minute off a pass from Jay Valtierra. DSU would receive a red card in the 75th minute to give the Sunbirds a one-player advantage, but the 1-1 score remained until there were less than four minutes remaining in the second overtime period. DSU scored the game-winner after a free kick cross landed at the feet of a Red Storm player in the box.

"I felt like we got stronger as the game went on," said Podeyn. "We created a lot of chances and had several opportunities to win the game. Unfortunately the best team doesn't always win. Looking at the season as a whole we were definitely playing our best soccer at the end of the season. We improved a lot from the start of the season, and we believed we could win every game. I am excited for our future and to see where we go from here."

FPU out-shot DSU 23-14, including 10-2 in the second half and 6-1 in the overtime periods. The Sunbirds also held a 6-2 corner kick advantage.

It was the final college game for five FPU seniors: Amanda Hudec, Alyssa Pazzi, Jay Valtierra, Selena Braun and Caressa Archie. Hudec played in 64 career games, finishing in the top 10 all-time in games played. She led the team in minutes played this season, anchoring a defense that recorded seven shutouts.

Archie, who battled injuries this season, played in 62 career games and became the program's first ever NCAA Division II All-Region nominee last year. She is also a three-time All-PacWest selection.

The Sunbirds led the PacWest in shots on goal and limited opponents to less than five shots on goal per game. They ranked in the top five in the conference in both offense and defense. The team has eight of its 11 starters expected to return next season. They'll look to mesh with a talented incoming recruiting class.