FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific couldn't overcome a stifling Santa Clara defense on Thursday, as the Sunbirds fell on Senior Day 6-3 at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
 
FPU celebrated the careers of five seniors prior to the game: Alyssa Stevens, Emily Marr, Kaeli Hanson, Mikayla Scheer and Nia Apodaca.
 
The Sunbirds opened the game with a goal from Hanson before the Broncos knotted the game at 1-1 as the first period ended. SCU then used a 5-1 scoring run in the middle two quarters to take control of the game. FPU cut the deficit to three with 1:28 remaining after a goal from Scheer, but it was too little too late as SCU played spoiler on Senior Day.
 
The Sunbirds' scoring came from all seniors, as Marr, Scheer and Hanson each found the back of the cage. Stevens and Scheer added an assist apiece offensively.
 
Junior Courtney Hall was tremendous in the cage for FPU, making several nice saves throughout the game to finish with 10 blocks. Hanson also added three steals defensively.
 
Santa Clara (10-13, 3-3) received two goals from Elizabeth Anderson in the win. The Broncos benefited from two five-meter penalties. Sydni Estrella added seven saves in the cage.
 
FPU wraps up the regular season at 9-15 overall and 1-6 in the Golden Coast Conference. The nine wins mark the highest total since 2012, while the victory in league action was the first in program history.
 
The Sunbirds will now compete in the GCC Championships held April 28-30 in San Diego. Seedings for the tournament will be released by the conference after weekend play.