FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University women's basketball team was tripped up on Thursday evening, falling 73-56 to Academy of Art in the PacWest Conference opener. The loss prevents a three-game winning streak and drops the Sunbirds to 2-5 on the season.
 
"Our shots weren't falling at the beginning, but defense and rebounds kept us in the game. I was really proud of the way we played for 35 minutes, but that isn't enough in this league," head coach Tim Beauregard said. "We gave a really good effort tonight, and I'm excited that our girls continue to show resilience."
 
The Urban Knights controlled the opening tip, but the first three minutes of the game saw both teams struggle to score. Art U's Hayley Pryor fired the opening salvo, a three-pointer that gave the Urban Knights the first lead of the game.
 
FPU shot just 26% from the floor in the first half but managed to stay within striking distance heading into halftime. The Sunbirds committed five turnovers within the first two minutes of the second half, and their guests began to pull away with a 10-0 run.  
 
Megan Lee proved to be a bright spot for the Blue and Orange, pouring in a season-high 18 points off the Sunbird bench. Cassie Pisik followed with 17 of her own while hauling in seven rebounds to finish one behind Viviana Vasquez for the team lead.
 
For the Urban Knights, Rodericka Ware went for a game-high 22 points to lead the team in scoring for the fifth time through seven contests this winter. Jazzlyn Brewster and Helena Orts combined for 26 points, with the latter posting her third double-double in the last four games.
 
Fresno Pacific is set to return to action on Saturday, when they host Point Loma in another PacWest Conference showdown. Tipoff from the Special Eventes Center is set for 2:30 p.m.
 
"We are going to fight all year long. Nobody is going to come into our house and get anything easy," Beauregard said. "I'm proud of the way we have defended our home court so far, and we look to continue to do that on Saturday."