FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University women's basketball team picked up its second consecutive victory on Monday night, defeating Cal Maritime 69-57 at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds now stand 2-4 on the season, with both victories coming on their home floor.
 
"This was not our best performance, and it will be the last time we get a win with that kind of effort. We know we have to get better," head coach Tim Beauregard said. "We have some things to iron out, but we are still confident with where we are going."
 
The Keelhaulers controlled the opening tip, and forward Lillian Dawkins provided the first score and only CSUM lead of the contest. A Hannah Ramirez trifecta gave the Sunbirds their first advantage of the night a minute and half the game, and the home team wouldn't relinquish the lead.
 
The Blue and Orange clicked early, starting the game on a 23-8 run that saw six Sunbirds find the bottom of the twine. Freshman Ashley Cross knocked down 4-of-5 from the floor and added seven free throws to erupt for 16 points in the first half, lifting FPU to a 42-23 halftime lead.
 
Fellow freshman Cassie Pisik posted her first career double-double, coupling 13 points with a game-high 18 rebounds. Ramirez also scored in double-figures, collecting 12 points en route to recording a new season-best.
 
The Sunbirds dominated the glass, outrebounding their guests 58-30 while scoring 19 points on second-chance buckets. FPU shot 64% from the charity stripe and 33% from the floor, including a 7-of-18 mark from three-point range.
 
Fresno Pacific is set to return to action on Thursday evening, when they host Academy of Art in the PacWest Conference opener. Tipoff from the Special Events Center is slated for 5:30 p.m.
 
"Going in to PacWest play, we understand there are going to be no easy games on our schedule," Beauregard said. "It's important for us to establish that we are going to be tough on our home court."