HONOLULU – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team began PacWest Conference action on Thursday night, defeating Chaminade 72-64 in the first of three games in five days. The Sunbirds have now won four straight, marking their longest streak since the 2013-14 season.          
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 72, Chaminade 64
Records: FPU (5-1, 1-0 PacWest), Chaminade (1-3, 0-1 PacWest)
Location: McCabe Gym | Honolulu
Series: FPU leads 6-3

QUOTABLE:
"It was great to start league play with a win, but we had a rough beginning and end of this game in terms of our execution. Our subbing patterns got a little off toward the end, and I need to do a better job of managing the game, especially in the fourth quarter. We understand that everybody in our program has to put forth a better effort going forward. We are taking steps forward daily, and that's what keeps us progressing." 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Swords controlled the opening tip, but an early stop helped Cassie Pisik find Julia Locastro under the basket to give the Sunbirds the first lead of the night.
• FPU struggled to find the stroke from behind the arc in the early going, shooting just 1-of-10 from three-point range in the first quarter.
• Bree Alvarez turned in a strong second to lead the team in scoring through the first half, while Pisik and Locastro teamed up for 14 rebounds to help FPU dominate the glass.
• Ayla Faber connected on a free throw to give the Blue and Orange an 11-point lead heading into the locker room at the intermission. 
• The Silverswords cut the lead back to single digits early in the third quarter, but a pair of Alvarez threes on back-to-back possessions put the Sunbirds back in front by 15.
• Hunter Liftee began the fourth quarter with a three, and the Swords made it clear they were not willing to go quietly on their home floor.
• With 1:54 remaining, Destiny Castro brought the home crowd to their feet with a three-pointer that pulled Chaminade within six.
• The Swords were forced to play the foul game down the stretch, but the Sunbirds made the most of their opportunities at the line to escape with the win. 
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Bree Alvarez led the Sunbirds in scoring for the third straight game, overcoming a rough start to finish with 17 points. 
• Pisik and Locastro combined for 16 points and 26 rebounds to help the Blue and Orange claim a 61-37 advantage on the glass.    
• Castro's 21 points led all scorers, while Hunter Liftee was the only other Silversword to get into double-figures.  
• Both team missed nine free throws for the night, but the Sunbirds made twice as many as their hosts.
• The Sunbirds have yet to lose the turnover battle in any game this season, and the trend continued (16-14) on Thursday night.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The Sunbirds are undefeated this season when they hit five or more threes in a game. 
• The win gives FPU its' first in a league opener since 2013. 
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU returns to the court on Saturday, when they continue the road trip with a duel against Hawai'i Pacific. Tipoff from Honolulu is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. PST.