MERCED, Calif. - Fresno Pacific women's basketball competed against CCAA opponent UC Merced, forcing 17 turnovers and scoring 17 points from those opportunities. Despite an initial lead, the match concluded with a final score of 61-73 in the Bobcat's favor.

Fresno Pacific opened with defensive intensity, forcing four turnovers and securing four steals, yet struggled offensively, shooting 4-for-17 from the field and going 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Despite Kira Wilmurt's early jumper to tie the game at 2–2, they faced difficulty converting opportunities into points. UC Merced capitalized on their shooting advantage, leading 18–9 at the end of the first quarter.

The Sunbirds gained momentum early in the second quarter with Trinity Tolbert sinking two free throws after an offensive rebound by 9:45, narrowing the gap. Nina Wisniewski's layup at 7:52 and subsequent three-point play at 6:58 further fueled their pace. Despite a back-and-forth battle, punctuated by Ashley Aughterson's fast-break layup at 3:18, the Sunbirds struggled to fully close the deficit, finishing the period just behind at 42-32.

Fresno Pacific made a notable impact in the third quarter by engineering a 7–0 run, highlighted by Alexa Perryman's three-pointer with 21 seconds left. Wisniewski contributed significantly with a layup and an assist to Tolbert, helping to close the gap. The battle ebbed and flowed until UC Merced captured an impressive lead over the 'Birds, holding a 57–51 advantage.

The Blue and Orange made a push in the fourth quarter with notable defensive plays, including Kate Evans' block at 8:45 and Sienna Evans' steal at 4:38. However, despite these efforts, they struggled offensively, shooting 4-for-18 from the field. Perryman contributed with a layup at 7:57, and Wisniewski added a 3-pointer at 3:24. Ultimately, the 'Birds were outscored in the paint and couldn't close the gap, as UC Merced effectively utilized second-chance opportunities. The game concluded with UC Merced securing a 73–61 victory.

Wisniewski led with 16 points, converting six field goals and adding three assists. Tolbert contributed 11 points, making all six of her free throw attempts. Perryman scored 12 points and sank two 3-pointers. Sienna Evans played a strong defensive role with four steals and recorded three rebounds.

NEXT UP: The Lady 'Birds continue competition in Merced as they take on Chico State on Saturday, November 15 at 12 pm.

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