FRESNO, Calif.- A celebrated senior helped the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (11-13 overall, 1-2 WWPA) celebrate a crucial 9-3 conference win against the rival Cal State Monterey Bay Otters (5-18 overall, 1-3 WWPA) Saturday afternoon at the Sunny Aquatics Center.
 
The Sunbirds fed off the electricity of Senior Day with the game serving as an opportunity to avenge their prior loss to the Otters.
 
Senior Tatum Benson had a stellar game, scoring four goals, and was once again the center of attention on offense.
 
The 'Birds set the tone early as senior Rosemary Chapman proved that, contrary to popular belief, Sunbirds are faster swimmers than Otters, beating Monterey in every sprint and securing the first possession for the 'Birds.
 
Benson capitalized on the possession and scored to open the game.
 
That would be the only goal in the first quarter as Fresno Pacific held on to the excellent defense that they've displayed over the last two months.
 
Benson would put another one away to mark the beginning of the second quarter. Monterey Bay  followed that goal closely, but Hannah Walker wouldn't allow the Otters to catch up.
 
Walker scored after being set up by Emily Lopez-Ibarra.
 
Bella Alcazar scored one more for the Birds before the half to build a 4-2 FPU lead. 
 
Benson kicked off the third quarter with two goals, followed by one more from Chapman.
 
Alli Hepner also found the back of the net before the period concluded, furthering the Sunbirds' lead over the Otters.
 
Goalie Katie Whittingham was a wall in front of the cage, delivering 14 saves to secure the win.
 
Alcazar added one more goal in the fourth as Fresno Pacific polished a 9-3 victory, celebrating their four seniors with an emphatic victory.
 
The Sunbirds will return on April 8th to battle it out against East Bay at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center for their final home game of the year. 
 
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