SEASIDE, Calif. –  A strong fourth quarter propelled the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (3-1 overall) over the San Francisco State Gators (0-3 overall) Saturday afternoon in their final game CCAA/PacWest Challenge.
 
The Sunbirds and Gators both struggled offensively to start the first quarter.
 
Layups from Anisa Rillo, Jayla Green, and Julie Ramirez broke the scoring drought for the 'Birds, tying the game 6-6 with five minutes left in the first quarter.
 
The Gators continued to match points with the Sunbirds to keep the score tied 11-11.
 
Two free throws from Felicia Dourva and a layup from Green gave the Sunbirds the lead 17-14 to close the first quarter.
 
The following possessions featured a layup from, free throws from Joleen Corona, and a three pointer from Green kept the Sunbirds up early in the second 25-20.
 
The Gators got three big stops defensively and scored four consecutive possessions with a trio of layups and a lone three pointer to retake the lead with less than three minutes left in the second.  
 
Three points from Rillo, an and one play from Green, and a three from Jasmine Heu put the Sunbirds back ahead to end the second quarter up 35-32.
 
The Gators and the Sunbirds traded points early with both teams going on small runs.
 
The first run of points for the Sunbirds came from a layup from Maesyn Rix and two three pointer from Dourva bringing the 'Birds up 45-39.
 
San Francisco State answered with a run of their own, scoring six straight points to tie the game.
 
With less than a minute left in the third, Aaliyah Seuell broke the tie converting one of two shots from the foul line ending the third 46-45.
 
The Gators opened the fourth with a pair of three pointers to take their first lead of the game since the second quarter.
 
An and one jumper from Dourva and a driving layup from Corona had the 'Birds back within one before the Gators scored a three on their next possessions.
 
The Sunbirds regained the lead shortly off another three from Dourva, a pair of free-throws and a layup from Julie Ramirez to go up 60-59.
 
The offense continued to click as Green and Heu scored back-back jumpers for the 'Birds giving them a five-point lead with three minutes left in the fourth.

Strong defense, free throws from Heu, Dourva, and Manu, and a layup from Ramirez separated the Sunbirds from the Gators quickly giving them an 11-point lead.
 
The game ended with both teams trading a pair of free throws, Seull converting both for the 'Birds to secure the win 74-63.

"Really pleased with our ability to find a way to get the win tonight. It's not easy to play back to back nights against two competitive opponents and walk away 2-0. One of the greatest luxuries that this team has is they truly believe it is "anybody, any night". Fresno Pacific Head Coach Tim Beauregard said. "From our starters to our bench, anyone can come in and make the play that swings the game." 
 
Dourva ended the game with a season high 23 points marking her second game with double digit points.

"For a second night in a row, the leader of our confidence and stability was Fel, she is in complete control and at her peak powers right now" added Beauregard. "Our team goes as she goes any given night. Another impressive game for her and her leadership."
 
Ten different Sunbirds combined for one point and one rebound or more.
 
The 'Birds will end the CCAA/PacWest Challenge with a record of 3-1.
 
Fresno Pacific will head home for their first home game of the year on Tuesday at 5:30pm at the Special Events Center against the UC Merced Bobcats.

"We are excited to get a day off but get back together and get better Monday as we again seek a better version of ourselves and our team." 

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