OAKLAND, Calif. – Improving to 2-0 in conference play the Sunbirds traveled up to the Bay area to take on Holy Names in their conference opener. The Sunbirds came into the match up with some momentum as they beat Academy of Art just two days ago.

"Any road win in our league is a good win. Our defensive effort tonight was great and although we shot the ball about as poorly as you can, and got careless with the ball for stretches, our defensive effort gave us the opportunity to walk away victorious.  We understand that becoming more consistent defensively will continue to put us in positions to win games. We will set our sights on a great week of improvement knowing that a better all-around game will be needed to compete with our next stretch of league games. We look forward to the challenge," said head coach Tim Beauregard. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 80, Holy Names
Records: FPU (4-3, 2-0 PacWest), HNU (0-5, 0-1 PacWest)
Location: Tobin Gymnasium | Oakland, Calif.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Despite getting off to a slow start to start the game the 'Birds went on an eight-point run to lead going into the second quarter.
• Bayli McClard scored eight straight points for the Sunbirds in the second quarter and keep an eight-point lead over the Hawks. FPU scored the last four- points of the quarter as Cassie Pisik knocked down a jumper then Jessica Malazarte collected a steal and drained a jumper of her own to secure a ten-point lead for the 'Birds going into halftime.
• FPU came out of the half scoring six unanswered points; four of which were scored by Pisik. The Hawks answered with a six-point run of their own to close in on the 'Birds lead. HNU got within four-points of FPU but Jessica Malazarte added two-points for the 'Birds as she knocked down two free throws to close out the third quarter.
•  The fourth quarter did not involve a lot of scoring, but the Sunbirds managed to keep their lead and secure the win as Isabella Naranjo knocked down back-to-back free throws to give FPU a nine-point lead with under thirty second left to play.  
 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
• Bayli McClard had a game of 21 points and also pulled down six rebounds for the Sunbirds.
• Respectively Cassie Pisik and Jessica Malazarte each added double digits for FPU. Pisik with 15 and Malazarte with 10.    
• The 'Birds collected 10 steals in the game for the second straight game and added six blocks.
 
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• Fresno will host Azusa Pacific on Saturday, December 14^th in the Special Events Center at 2:30 p.m.