SEASIDE, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University women's basketball team posted a season-high in points and rebounds on Friday night but ultimately fell 68-56 at the hands of Cal State Monterey Bay. The Otters have now won each of their last two games, while the Sunbirds drop to 0-3 on the young season.
 
"We knew they would be a scrappy team with some good players, and we came in with a clear understanding that we would have to be incredibly competitive. I enjoyed coaching this group tonight," head coach Tim Beauregard said. "Their effort, excitement and willingness to sacrifice was fun to be a part of, and we are going to be in a good place if we bring that tempo every night."
 
The Otters controlled the opening tip, and Courtney Keaton provided the home team with the first lead of the game. The first half featured five lead changes and three ties, but CSUMB shot 36% from the floor to take a 29-22 lead into the intermission.
 
FPU was able to connect on two shots early in the second half to get within four, but the Otters connected on back-to-back threes to pull away. Individually, Bree Alvarez came away with a career-high 20 points to lead all scorers, while Ashley Cross added 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
 
The Sunbirds turn the ball over just 12 times on Friday night, their lowest total of the season, while forcing their hosts to commit 17. The Blue and Orange also connected on 13 of 20 attempts from the charity stripe, good enough for a 65% success rate.
 
The Sunbirds return to action on Tuesday, when they take on Chico State in the fourth straight road game to being the season. Tipoff from Art Acker Stadium is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
"We are in a position where we need to improve in every practice, and we need to be at our very best in every game to compete at the level we want," Beauregard said. "Chico State will make us bring the best game we have played all year, but we are excited for that challenge."