FRESNO, Calif.  – The Fresno Pacific University women's basketball team came up just short on Saturday afternoon, falling 75-70 against Notre Dame de Namur in the final game of the year. The Sunbirds' four seniors (Alex Green, Kaysha Fox, Hannah Ramirez, Abrina Salas) were recognized after the game as head coach Tim Beauregard's first senior class.
 
"I truly lucked out by coming in and having four seniors that understood their role in our program. I'm proud to have gotten the opportunity to coach these four and wish I could coach them longer," Beauregard said. "I'll forever be grateful to them and can't wait to build upon what they have created. They are each the type of person that we hope to graduate year after year. The effect their leadership and commitment will have on our team will serve as the foundation for years to come."
 
Emily Tevez controlled the opening tip for the Argos, but Alex Green provided the first points of the night with a three-pointer at the other end of the floor. The Sunbird offense clicked early, as the Blue and Orange shot 50% from the floor in the first quarter to open the game on a 20-4 run.
 
The defense buckled down in the second quarter, as NDNU made just three field goals for the period. Seven Sunbirds found the bottom of the net in the first half, helping FPU to carry a 32-22 advantage into the locker room at the intermission.
 
The Argos were off and running early in the third quarter after a fast break layup from Tevez, which sparked a 24-11 NDNU run. The Sunbirds saved their best offensive quarter for the fourth, going back and forth before being forced into playing the foul game down the stretch.
 
Individually, Cassie Pisik highlighted the effort for the Sunbirds with 18 points, while Salas chipped in 14 points and a team-high nine rebounds. NDNU's Marissa Caballero led all scorers with 24 points, while Megan Crenshaw recorded her second consecutive double-double (17 points, 11 rebounds).
 
Fresno Pacific outrebounded their guests by a total of 45-to-42 while shooting their best percentage from the floor in their last three games. The Sunbirds also connected on eight three-pointers while turning in a season-best 22 assists.
 
The four Sunbird seniors combined for 36 points, 24 rebounds, 15 assists, and six steals in their final game with each recording at least 29 minutes. All four are set to graduate this May.