SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Stifling defense in the middle quarters setup the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (2-0 overall) to knock off Sonoma State Seawolves (1-1 overall) 60-53 in their second game of the year on Saturday night at the Conlan Center.

"One of the things you grow to understand every season is that you have to be able to win multiple ways if you want to be a good team," head coach Tim Beauregard said. "Tonight, we did not play as connected as we did yesterday, but we found ways to make the play that was necessary to finish the game with a win. We can very clearly identify what we must work on to get where we want to get this season. This weekend gives us confidence with a clear blueprint to get better. We are excited to get back home and get the proper practice reps to pursue a better version of our team this next week. No flinch in our dream chasing."

FPU built its lead thanks to strong defense in the second and third quarters, only holding the Seawolves to a combined 15 points in the two periods.

The Sunbirds got off to a hot start to open the game with a 9-0 run thanks to seven straight points from Anisa Rillo.

A 17-0 run from Sonoma State gave them a lead, and they would end up taking a 20-13 lead into the second quarter.

The defense came alive for FPU in the second quarter, holding the Seawolves to just seven points, while scoring 15 themselves to take a one-point lead into the break. Eight made free throws from the Sunbirds, as well as a three-pointer from Olivia Garcia sparked the run that put FPU ahead.

The defense carried over into the second half with the Sunbirds outscoring the Seawolves 15-8 in the period. Sonoma State was able to go up three early in the period, but a 15-5 run to end the quarter, highlighted by six points from Rachel Berry, gave the Sunbirds a 43-35 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.

The Seawolves offense was able to get going in the final quarter, scoring 18 points, but the Sunbirds were able to answer with 17 of their own to hold on to the win. They led by as many as 13 in the quarter thanks to a layup from Maesyn Rix, but Sonoma State made a run at the end of the quarter to cut the deficit to just two points with 55 seconds remaining.

With 28 seconds to go, Dourva knocked down a clutch three-pointer to extend the FPU lead to five, and two free throws from Joleen Corona with no time left iced the game for the Sunbirds.

Berry led the way for FPU with 12 points and five rebounds. Rix pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds in the win, and Dourva finished with nine points.

The Sunbirds will make their home debut on Tuesday when they host UC Merced. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Special Events Center.

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