FRESNO, Calif. – Facing a nationally ranked Bulldog offense, the Sunbirds struggled to keep pace, falling 23-4 to Fresno State on Friday evening.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: Fresno State 23, Fresno Pacific 4
Box Score
Records: FS (3-8), FPU (0-5)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Fresno State Aquatics Center
Series: FPU trails 2-0
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• After the Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead, FPU tied things up 1-1 on a goal by Amy Zaninovich (assist: Sam Witt) with 5:35 to go in the first period.
• Fresno State responded with an 8-1 run to take control of the match.
• The Bulldogs led 12-2 at halftime, and won the second half 11-2 to seal the win.
 
STATS:
• FPU received goals from four different Sunbirds: Zaninovich, Witt, Katie Kisling, and Zaylynn Mangrum.
• Fresno State outshot the 'Birds 31-18.
• Gracie Bishop tallied six saves in the cage for the Sunbird defense.
• FPU held FS to 3-for-6 on power-play opportunities.
• Emily Nicholson and Callie Woodruff both chipped in five goals for the Bulldogs, while Megan Greenwood contributed four more.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Fresno State is currently ranked No.15 nationally.
• For the second year, Fresno State hosted Fresno Pacific in its home opener.
• Junior Sam Witt upped her season totals to nine goals and six assists a week after earning WWPA player of the week honors (Jan.30).
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU will face #25 Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center, followed by a matchup with Cal State Monterey Bay at 5:30 p.m.