FRESNO, Calif.-Capitalizing on a hot start the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (3-8 overall) blitzed Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 10-6 before running out of gas against Fresno State 17-2 Saturday at the Fresno State Aquatics Center.

The Sunbirds proved ready and able in the first game of the day, scoring five early goals in a rematch against a CMS team that edged them by just three goals two weeks ago.

"The girls played hard," Fresno Pacific head coach Bryan Suhovy said. "They wanted to play with intensity from the first whistle and they did just that."

Tatum Benson sank a goal into the back of the net within the first two minutes of the game. Rosemary Chapman followed with another score before Claremont attempted to catch up with one point in the first.

Fresno Pacific responded with a consecutive goals by Alexandria Jasso and Maddie Murad in the 7th and 8th minutes. 

Benson led the charge a second quarter barrage beginning with a quick point in the second minute.

Emma Cook found the back of the net shortly after followed by a goal by Regan Azevedo.

The Sunbirds capitalized on a power play that went from Chapman to Benson before moving it to Murad for another goal. 

Emily Lopez-Ibarra secured the final goal of the quarter, bringing the score to 9-2 favoring the Sunbirds at the half. 

Benson tallied the only second half goal for Fresno Pacific while CMS closed the gap with four goals in the latter half of the game.

Fresno Pacific held on 10-6 to avenge their defeat from a few of weeks prior.

The Sunbirds had a few hours off before returning to the pool to battle the host Fresno State Bulldogs.

The top-10 opponent proved to be more than a handful racing out to a big advantage at the half.

Azevedo had an early answer that had FPU within one but Fresno State scored three more times in the first and added another three goals before Emma Cook scored before the half.

The Sunbirds ran out of gas as Fresno State pulled away in the second half to end the weekend for FPU.

"Our freshman stepped up today, scoring some key goals," Suhovy added. "The upperclassmen played consistent and smart. Tatum continues to be a threat inside and Katie starting to come into her own as our goalie. She made some critical saves including a penalty block. We still have growth ahead of us but we are trending in the right direction."

Fresno Pacific continues tournament play next weekend when it loads up with four games against Cal Lutheran, Cal State Fullerton, Occidental and the University of Toronto.

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