FRESNO, Calif.  – The Fresno Pacific women's soccer team picked up its' biggest victory of the season on Thursday night, defeating Dixie State 1-0 at Ramirez Field. The win allows the Sunbirds to claim sole possession of second place in the PacWest Conference, just one total point behind leader California Baptist.   

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 1, Dixie State 0
Records: FPU (8-6-1, 8-2-0 PacWest), DSU (12-4-0, 8-3-0 PacWest)
Location: Ramirez Field | Fresno, Calif.
Series: Dixie State leads 4-1-0
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The two teams went back and forth in the first half, exchanging opportunities and saves before ultimately heading to halftime with a scoreless tie.
• FPU broke through with a 72nd-minute goal that proved to be the difference maker.
• The offensive attack never stopped for the home team, but the 1-0 cushion allowed them to sit on a lead.       

SCORING:
• (71:17) Mariah Montoya drew hard contact in the box, setting up her second penalty kick of the year. She connected to give the Sunbirds the only lead they would need for the duration of the night.

STATS OF THE GAME:
• Fresno Pacific outshot their guests 15-12, including a mark of 6-3 on target.
• The Sunbirds earned four of the game's six corner kicks.
• Dixie State goalkeeper Felicity Tarr recorded five saves, while FPU's Summer Hammond need just three to record her fifth clean sheet of the season.  

BEYOND THE BOX:
• Thursday was the first time in program history the Sunbirds have defeated Dixie State.
• If FPU wins out and CBU ties or loses another game, FPU would claim their first ever PacWest Conference title.
• Hammond is now tied for second on the school's all-time list with 10 career shutouts.
 
UP NEXT:
• Fresno Pacific begins a three-game road swing on Monday, when they take on Hawai'i Hilo. Opening whistle in Hilo is slated for 7:30 p.m. PST.