ARCATA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific women's soccer team opened the 2017 season on Thursday afternoon, dropping a neutral site contest against 22nd-ranked Sonoma State in the first match of the Lumberjack Classic.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #22 Sonoma State 2, Fresno Pacific 1
Records: Fresno Pacific (0-1-0), Sonoma State (1-0-0)
Location:  Arcata, Calif. | College Creek Field
Series: Sonoma State leads 1-0-0 (first ever meeting)
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QUOTABLE
"When we put this schedule together many months ago, we felt these games would be a good test to tell us where we were early in the season. I think today showed that we are moving in the right direction. This was a very good game where we battled one of the top teams in the country and had opportunities to win. Overall, this was a productive start to our season." – head coach Rob Podeyn
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: 
• The two teams went back and forth in a scoreless first half, totaling 15 shots while holding one another scoreless.
• Sonoma State fired the opening salvo of the season 12 minutes into the second half of play.
• The Sunbirds wasted little time pulling even, but the Seawolves stormed back with the decisive goal less than two minutes later.

SCORING:
• (57:41) Sara Van Wagoner gave the Seawolves their first lead with a shot to the high left corner.
• (61:03) Whitney Snow took advantage of Jessica Dondlinger's deflection to provide the first Sunbird score of the season.
• (63:45) Bella Amyx recorded the game-winner after finishing inside the box. Van Wagoner and goalkeeper Kristen Spear were each credited with an assist on the play.

STATS OF THE GAME:
• Sonoma State fired 15 of the game's 29 shots, but Fresno Pacific placed more shots on frame (11-9).
• Senior goalkeeper Summer Hammond picked up seven saves, while Spear recorded nine to preserve the win.
• The Sunbirds took four corner kicks and the Seawolves earned three set pieces.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• FPU has lost the season opener two seasons in a row, falling by just one goal on each occasion.
• The Seawolves are just the second nationally-ranked team the Sunbirds have faced since joining the PacWest Conference in 2012.
• Hammond has now recorded at least six saves in each of her last three starts dating back to last season.

UP NEXT:
• The Sunbirds return to action on Saturday, when they wrap up the road trip with a match against Humboldt State. Opening whistle from College Creek Field in Arcata is slated for noon.