LOS ANGELES-Stifling defense and 9 different goal scorers propelled the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (2-4 overall) to a 17-1 over the Occidental Tigers (0-1 overall) Friday evening.

Tatum Benson scored five times and FPU didn't allow a goal until the final 22 seconds of the 4^th quarter in cruising to its most demonstrative win of the young season.

"Our defense was the key to the game," Fresno Pacific head coach Bryan Suhovy said. "We were focused and pressed well, minimizing their opportunities."

Katie Whittingham made 5 saves and faced 13 total shots, conceding just the lone goal.

"Katie continues to find her groove in the goal and made some solid saves." Suhovy added of the defensive unit. "Emily Lopez-Ibarra and Alexandria Jasso are a defensive duo to be reckoned with."

Rosemary Chapman sparked the offense after just a minute into the game to start the scoring.

Benson scored the next two goals, and tallied four in the first half, as FPU set off on a 6-0 lead after one half.

Sam Dieterle scored in the first half and started the second before Jasso struck for two quick goals. Benson and Chapman each added a goal before Alli Hepner scored her first goal.


FPU opened it up from there as four different 'Birds tallied their first goals of the game before Occidental finally broke through in the final 30 seconds.

"Offensively, we were confident and aggressive," Suhovy finished. "Our centers Tatum and Sam stepped up. It was a well-rounded effort."

Fresno Pacific will conclude its road trip at Claremont at 4 p.m. on Saturday in Southern California.

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