STOCKTON, Calif. – Courtney Hall delivered 13 saves and Fresno Pacific held tough against #12 Pacific on Friday, but the Sunbirds eventually fell 12-4 against the Tigers in Golden Coast Conference (GCC) action.
 
FPU falls to 9-12 overall and 1-4 in the GCC with the setback, while Pacific moves to 10-14 overall and 3-0 in league action.
 
"Despite the outcome, I was really proud of how well our girls played against a top-ranked DI program," said head coach Bryan Suhovy. "We played with consistency and determination for all four quarters. This was one of the strongest games we have put together in a while. It's a good place to be as we head into the final games of the season." 
 
Kaitlin Groothuyzen led the Sunbirds with two goals, while Kaeli Hanson and Nia Apodaca rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece. Julia Ponce and Alyssa Stevens each added an assist offensively. FPU was held to 1-for-12 in power plays.
 
Pacific used a 4-0 run in the middle of the first quarter to create some distance and lead 5-1 after the first period. The Tigers led 7-3 at the half and held the Sunbirds to one goal in the final two quarters to earn the win.
 
Megan Torre led Pacific with four goals, while Meghan Nee tallied 11 saves in the cage.
 
The Sunbirds return home next weekend on Saturday, April 16 for two games. FPU faces Azusa Pacific (1 p.m.) and Sonoma State (4 p.m.) at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.