FRESNO, Calif.- A tightly contested contest failed to go the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (7-8 overall, 3-5 conference) way Wednesday afternoon at the Special Events Center as they fell 68-61 to the Dominican University of California Penguins (10-8 overall, 4-3 conference).

The Sunbirds started the game with strong energy and determination. Jayla Green got the offense rolling with a jumper in the paint, matching Dominican's early bucket. Fresno Pacific's defense worked hard to disrupt Dominican's rhythm, forcing turnovers and converting them into nine first-quarter points. However, the Sunbirds struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only 35.7% of their field goals. Julie Ramirez sparked Fresno's offense with a clutch three-pointer and jumper late in the first quarter, helpint the Sunbirds take an 11-10 lead to end the first period. 

Kicking off the second period, Allyah Seuell hit a three-pointer to extend the 'Birds lead. The Sunbirds began to find better offensive rhythm, fueled by contributions from Lydia Manu and Jasmine Heu. Manu's ability to drive into the paint created scoring opportunities, while Heu's perimeter shooting helped kept the game close. The Penguins, however, beagn to capitalize on the Sunbird's turnovers, scoring 7 points off the 'Birds turnovers in the first two quarters. Strong rebounding efforts by Jayla Green and Bre Hurt, kept the game close and the Sunbirds and Penguins went into halftime knotted at 28-28. 

Fresno Pacific returned to the court looking to take control of the game. Ramirez and Angela Whitfield stepped up offensively, with Ramirez scoring off mid-range jumpers and Whitfield adding a timely three-pointer to keep the Sunbirds within striking distance. The Sunbirds' defense, however, faltered under Dominican's relentless pressure, allowing 19 third-quarter points. The Penguins capitalized on second-chance opportunities, extending their lead as the 'Birds struggled to contain their offensive rebounds. A buzzer beater by Anisa Rillo to end the quarter brought the 'Birds back within three as they trailed 47-44. 

In the fourth quarter, the Sunbirds made a final push to close the gap. Hurt delivered strong plays in the paint, including an and-one finish. Ramirez continued her consistent scoring, contributing with a fast-break layup and a mid-range shot that cut into Dominican's lead. Olivia Garcia added a three-pointer off the bench to give the Sunbirds a glimmer of hope, but Dominican's composure in the closing moments proved decisive.

The Penguins delivered in crunch time, hitting free throws to maintain the lead, while their defensive presence and rebounding thwarted the Sunbirds comeback attempts. Despite Fresno's strong effort on the boards and 23 points from their bench, 25 turnovers and Dominican's second-chance points (20) were too much to overcome as they fell 68-61. 

The Sunbirds will head back out on the road for a matchup in Atherton against the Menlo Oaks on Saturday, January 11 at 1pm with the men's game to follow at 3pm. Both games will be streamed on the PacWest Network. 

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