FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific University women's basketball team earned its first PacWest Conference victory of the year on Thursday night, defeating Holy Names 59-53 at the Special Events Center. The win improves the Sunbirds to 4-10 on the year, including a 1-5 mark in league play.

"We talked about winning the fight tonight, and our pressure allowed us to do that. We dictated the game from the opening tip, and our girls executed the game plan," head coach Tim Beauregard. "We didn't shoot the ball well tonight, but we still have a few games left this year when all of our shooters catch fire on the same night."
 
Ashley Cross gave FPU control of the opening tip, paving the way for Bree Alvarez to record the first bucket of the evening. The Sunbirds were able to set the tone early, as each of their first six baskets of the game were scored by a different player.
 
The Blue and Orange posted back-to-back 16-point quarters before carrying a four-point lead into the locker room at the intermission. Alvarez connected on a three to open the second half, and the home team was off and running once again.
 
Abrina Salas matched HNU's Onjalise Carley-Hilliard with a game-high 12 points, two shy of her career-best. Alvarez finished her night just one point behind Salas, while seven other Sunbirds found the bottom of the twine.
 
Fresno Pacific never trailed on Thursday despite the Hawks claiming an advantage in shooting percentage (43%-40%) and rebounds (35-34). The Sunbirds did win the turnover battle (19-13) and have now done so in four consecutive games.
 
FPU returns to action on Monday with a road trip serving as the first of three PacWest Conference contests. Tipoff from Point Loma's Golden Gymnasium is set for 5:30 p.m.

"We gave them a game the last time we saw them, so we are excited about getting another shot at them," Beauregard said. "Our girls are confident that we can play them well. We have to continuously reengage the next day while trusting the process."