COSTA MESA, Calif. — Wrapping up the weekend, Fresno Pacific women's basketball fell to Vanguard University 72-44 at the Freed Center for Leadership and Service. Despite the Sunbirds efforts, Vanguard capitalized on a 51-35 rebounding advantage to maintain control throughout the game.

"Today was another great opportunity for our team to grow and progress," said head coach Tim Beauregard. "Vanguard showed many of our young players the level of effort and competitive spirit required to be successful in our conference."

Fresno Pacific initiated the first quarter with a strong start, taking an early 5–0 lead, highlighted by Sienna Evans' three-pointer at 8:42. They maintained competitive momentum with contributions from Kira Wilmurt and Nina Wisniewski, who scored in the paint, keeping the game within reach at 9–7 around the midpoint. However, Vanguard, who is currently ranked second in conference, responded with a huge surge. The Lions took control in the latter stages, including a three-pointer at 1:23, that widened the gap. The Sunbirds trailed 22–12 at the end of the first.

The Blue and Orange made an early move with a 3-pointer from Wisniewski at 8:53, narrowing the gap slightly. Key defensive rebounds and a fastbreak layup by Ashley Aughterson at 7:10 brought FPU back, but they faced challenges as the Lions extended their lead midway through the quarter. Evans and Grace Brown both contributed to the scoring with timely layups, but Vanguard's offensive push kept them ahead. The quarter ended with the 'Birds trailing 38–27.

The Sunbirds struggled offensively in the third quarter, unable to find rhythm as they went 0-for-14 from the field. Despite their shooting woes, the team capitalized on defensive opportunities, recording four steals, with Evans and Mason Long contributing to turnovers that disrupted Vanguard's flow. Wisniewski provided the only points for Fresno Pacific with two successful free throws at 6:43. However, Vanguard's inside presence proved formidable, securing six offensive rebounds and converting points in the paint, extending their lead. By the end of the quarter, Fresno Pacific trailed 48–29.

FPU opened the fourth quarter with a layup by Wisniewski at 7:31, attempting to close the gap. Despite a three-pointer by Long at 4:39, the Sunbirds struggled to keep pace with Vanguard's efficient scoring in the paint and beyond the arc. Vanguard maintained control with timely baskets, including a three-pointer by Aryanna Hudson at 1:43. The Lady 'Birds managed to add points through free throws by Wisniewski, but could not overcome the deficit. The game ended with Vanguard winning 72-44.

Angela Whitfield recorded 14 rebounds and collected two steals. Long scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers, on 4-of-8 shooting. Wisniewski tallied 11 points and added two assists. Evans finished with seven points and five rebounds.

"This will be a great week to get healthy, fill our cups with family during a quick Christmas break, and return energized for a demanding stretch of games ahead. There are certainly many takeaways and nuanced areas where we must continue to improve, but there is also a great deal of excitement in our locker room about what 2026 holds."

Fresno Pacific women's basketball is 3-6 overall and 0-4 in PacWest competition.

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