MERCED, Calif.- The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds debuted an overall dominant performance  in their 18-7 win over the UC Merced Bobcats Saturday afternoon. 

The scoring started early for the 'Birds as they won the initial sprint and converted with a goal from Tatum Benson off the assist from Natalie Kisling.

A pair of goals from Maddie Murad and Kisling extended the Fresno Pacific lead to 3-0 with 5 minutes remaining in the first period. 

The remainder of the first was marked by more defensive dominance by the Sunbirds creating multiple turnover and steals. 

The Sunbirds converted on three more goals from Benson, Maggie Cook, and Courtney Belliotti as the first period end with the 'Birds up 6-0. 

The scoring drought for the Bobcats finally ended in the second period as they converted off the powerplay for their first goal of the game. 

Three goals for the Sunbirds from Murad, Emma Cook, and a converted penalty shot for Hannah Walker gave Fresno Pacific their largest lead of the game at eight with two minutes left in the second period. 

Kisling and E. Cook added another pair of goals to the growing Sunbird tally as time expired in the second with the 'Birds up 11-2. 

The offensive frenzy for the 'Birds continued with Benson converting two to start the third.  

Fresno Pacific continued to apply pressure on the Bobcats who continued to turnover the ball. 

Two more goals for the Bobcats and another for the Sunbirds from Kisling marked the end of the third with a commanding lead for the 'Birds at 14-4. 

The Bobcats and Sunbirds would remain scoreless for the first four minute of the fourth. 

Both teams traded goals for the remainder of the fourth, with Emily Lopez-Ibarra and Alli Hepner adding their names to the growing list of Sunbird scorers. 

The game would end with a final goal from Bella Alcazar off the assist from Belliotti to hand the Sunbirds the game 18-7. 

" I was proud of our girls today, they showed up with the right mind set" said head coach Bryan Suhovy. 

10 different Sunbirds scored on the day with Benson leading the way with four. 

It was a dominant defensive day for Fresno Pacific as well as they nabbed a season high 11 steals and drew nine exclusions. 

"We have been focusing on defense and that showed today" added Suhovy. "They pressed and anticipated well creating all our opportunities." 

Fresno Pacific will head to Santa Clara next Saturday for a matchup with the Santa Clara Bronocs at 1pm. 

Suhovy concluded "Everyone contributed to today's win.I'm excited to see how we grow as the season goes one." 


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