RIVERSIDE, Calif.- The day began on a high note and end on a low note for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds as they split a pair of games, beating the Whittier College Poets 22-7, and fell to the UC San Diego Trittons 18-7.
GAME ONE
It was an early morning start Saturday for the 'Birds as they faced off against the Whittier College Poets. The Sunbirds set the tone early, coming out with intensity and precision on both ends of the pool. Emma Cook opened the scoring just 16 seconds into the game, and Fresno Pacific never looked back. Bella Alcazar followed up with another quick goal at 7:15, assisted by Tatum Benson, as the Sunbirds built a 2-0 lead in the first minute.
Whittier momentarily slowed Fresno Pacific's momentum with a goal at 6:45, but Cook responded immediately with her second strike of the quarter, assisted by Alli Hepner. Goals from Maggie Cook and Tatum Benson further extended the lead, and the Sunbirds closed the quarter ahead 5-2. The 'Birds' defensive intensity forced turnovers, while their quick transitions overwhelmed the Poet's defense.
The Sunbirds continued their strong play in the second period, adding three more goals to their tally. Whittier struck first in the period, scoring on an exclusion play, cutting the lead to 5-3. However, Fresno Pacific quickly regained control, with a standout effort from their team defense limiting Whittier's opportunities.
Fresno Pacific's Regan Azevedo scored on a power play at 2:08, followed by a penalty shot goal from Alcazar with just 20 seconds remaining in the half. Whittier converted a penalty shot in the final second of the period, but the Sunbirds entered halftime with a comfortable 8-5 lead.
The third period was all Fresno Pacific, as they exploded for ten goals while shutting out Whittier. Emma Cook completed her hat trick early in the quarter, assisted by Azevedo, to spark the Sunbirds' offensive onslaught. Tatum Benson took over the game, scoring five goals in the period, including three consecutive strikes in a span of just over a minute.
The Sunbirds' ball movement and teamwork were on full display, with Hepner and Francis Benson contributing key assists. Fresno Pacific's defense was equally dominant, holding Whittier scoreless in the quarter and forcing turnovers that led to transition opportunities. By the end of the period, the Sunbirds held a commanding 18-5 lead.
Fresno Pacific maintained their intensity in the final period, adding four more goals to seal the victory. Summer Fulton and Autumn Johnson both found the back of the net early in the quarter, extending the Sunbirds' lead. Whittier managed two late goals, but it was too little, too late.
The Sunbirds capped off their dominant performance with a final goal from Francis Benson, assisted by Fulton, with just seconds remaining. Fresno Pacific finished the game with a 22-7 victory, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
GAME TWO
The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds faced a challenging opening period against the UC San Diego Tritons. The Tritons took early control of the game, scoring three goals within the first five minutes, putting UC San Diego ahead 3-0.
Fresno Pacific found some rhythm late in the period, with Tatum Benson scoring on a power play at 1:14, assisted by Maggie Cook, to cut into the deficit. Despite the late effort, the Sunbirds ended the first quarter trailing 3-1, struggling to counter UC San Diego's offensive efficiency.
The Sunbirds displayed more offensive energy in the second period, adding two goals to their tally. Emma Cook scored at 5:11 off another assist from sister Maggie Cook, showcasing improved teamwork. Minutes later, Maggie Cook found the back of the net herself on an exclusion play, reducing UC San Diego's lead to 6-3.
UC San Diego, however, maintained their dominance, with another pair of goals. Fresno Pacific's defense held firm at times, but turnovers and exclusions limited their ability to build momentum. At halftime, the Tritons led 6-3, though Fresno Pacific had shown signs of life.
The third period proved pivotal as UC San Diego pulled away with a strong offensive showing, scoring four goals, extendeding the Tritons' lead to 10-3.
Fresno Pacific managed two goals late in the period, with Emma Cook scoring her second of the game at 1:57, assisted by Dakota Lambert, and Tatum Benson adding another goal at 1:17. Despite their efforts, the Sunbirds couldn't close the gap, ending the period trailing 10-5.
UC San Diego dominated the final period, adding eight more goals to their tally to secure a decisive victory.
Fresno Pacific managed two late goals, with Emma Cook completing her hat trick at 3:56 and Maggie Cook adding her second goal of the game at 1:42. However, the Sunbirds struggled to contain UC San Diego's relentless attack, falling 18-7 as the final whistle blew.
With her eight goal days, Tatum Benson officially became the Sunbirds all time leading scorer with 174 career goals, passing Sam Whitt's previous mark of 170. Benson ended the 2024 season needing just three goals, and was able to accomplish that feat in her first two games of the season.
Up next, the Sunbirds will head home for their season opener against the Santa Clara Broncos Saturday at 1pm at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center.
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