OAKLAND, Calif. – Fresno Pacific women's basketball secured the best record in the PacWest Conference Northern California Pod following a 71-62 win over Dominican on Saturday afternoon, earning the title of pod champions in the process.

QUOTABLE:   

• "I'm so thankful that we had the experience of this year. As challenging as it was, we've been together and that's all that matters. I'm appreciative to the many people that created a safe environment for our team to do what we love to do. The sacrifices that our team made to get the opportunity to compete was rewarded with a handful of great wins and the winning of our pod. We had a total of 16 canceled games, 4 of those canceled on game day, and another 6 canceled 1-2 days before game days. The young women in our program proved time and time again that as challenging as things got, we were better together. I am led daily by lionesses chasing the best version of themselves and caring as much for their teammates dream chase as their own. Foundations have been built in the last couple of years and next year we look to continue building. This year will suit us well as we hope to compete for league championships in the near future." – head coach Tim Beauregard.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:  

• Rachel Berry's jumper capped a 10-4 run for the 'Birds that took place over the first 3:36 of the game.
• The Penguins stormed back to the tie the contest at 14 at the end of the first period.
• Jessica Malazarte got the Blue and Orange on track with a three-pointer to open the second quarter.
• The Sunbirds trailed by five with 3:43 left in the first half, when they pieced together an 11-4 run to hold a 37-35 lead at halftime.
• Lydia Manu scored consecutive layups to extend the FPU lead to nine points with 5:26 left in the third quarter.
• With 0:58 left in the third quarter, Felicia Dourva nailed a jumper to put her team up 53-44.
• Bayli McClard's breakaway layup gave the 'Birds a 59-48 lead with 7:46 to go in the game.
• The Sunbirds sustained their lead down the stretch to take the game 71-62.

STATS FROM THE GAME:  

• Berry was stellar for the Sunbirds, turning in team-highs with 20 points while pulling down 15 rebounds.
• Malazarte shot the ball well, making three three-pointers on her way to scoring 13 points.
• Dourva poured in 10 points.
• Manu finished just two rebounds away from a double-double, leading the reserves with 10 points and eight rebounds.
• McClard nearly had her seventh double-double of the season, accumulating 11 rebounds and eight points.
• Bre Hurt had a strong night on the glass, completing the game with seven rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:  

• The Sunbirds extended their current win streak over the Penguins to seven games.  

SOCIAL:  

• Twitter - @fpusunbirds  
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds   
• Facebook - /FPUathletics  

UP NEXT:  

• Stay tuned to FPUAthletics.com as well as Sunbird Socials for updates

SUNBIRD SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics