FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University women's basketball team escaped the Special Events Center with a victory on Monday evening, edging the University of Antelope Valley 78-75. The Sunbirds were able to pick up their third victory of the campaign after four players scored in double-figures.
 
"We knew coming in that they were going to run a quick offense and be a tough game for us. A lot of things at the beginning took us out of our game, but once we settled down, good things happened," head coach Tim Beauregard said. "Some people stepped up and hit some key shots for us. We're staying true to the course."
 
Cassie Pisik helped the Sunbirds control the opening tip before teammate Abrina Salas gave the home team the first lead of the night. The two teams each made 15 shots in the first half, but the visiting Pioneers used the three-ball to jump in front by ten at the intermission.
 
FPU cut the deficit to as few as four in the third quarter, outscoring their guests 20-18 along the way. Pisik, Salas and Bree Alvarez combined for 17 Sunbird points in that stretch, setting the tone for FPU's best offensive stanza of the night.
 
Salas and Megan Lee connected on back-to-back three-pointers to open the final frame, followed by another Salas bucket that pulled the Sunbirds even at 61. Pisik sunk a free throw to cap a 9-0 run and give the Blue and Orange their first lead in more than 26 minutes.
 
The two teams continued to exchange buckets, but the Sunbirds came up with a handful of key defensive stops and forced UAV to play the foul game down the stretch. A Pisik layup with 4:52 to play put FPU on top for good, and Sunbirds emerged with their third victory at home this season.
 
Individually, Pisik finished with 19 points to lead all scorers while collecting six rebounds, including four on the defensive glass. Alvarez and Salas dumped in 17 and 14 points respectively, while Lee added 15 off the bench.
 
The Pioneers claimed a 53-43 advantage in rebounds, but the Sunbirds were able to win the turnover battle. FPU posted season-bests in point and blocks (8) en route to holding UAV 19 points below their season average.
 
Fresno Pacific is set to return to action after Christmas, resuming play on Dec. 30 against UC Merced. Tipoff from the Special Events Center is slated for 5:30 p.m.
 
"We have a lot of things to solidify going into this next chunk of the season," Beauregard said. "Our schedule doesn't do us any favors, but we want to continue this momentum."