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.
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FPU celebrated the careers of five seniors prior to the game:
Alyssa Stevens,
Emily Marr,
Kaeli Hanson,
Mikayla Scheer and
Nia Apodaca.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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