FRESNO, Calif. – In the PacWest Conference opener, the Sunbirds put up a valiant effort against Biola at the Special Events Center as the teams dove headfirst into overtime. The Sunbirds managed to secure 20 points off turnovers and collected 17 second-chance points, but Biola's 17-point surge in the extra period proved decisive.

"Really proud of the growth our young team showed tonight," said head coach Tim Beauregard. "At our level, it's incredibly hard to win games after the start we had, but our resolve and togetherness kept us fighting. We gave ourselves more than a chance in the second half, and that says a lot about this group."

The game opened with the Sunbirds taking an early 3-2 lead following a 3-pointer by Kira Wilmurt, assisted by Nina Wisniewski at the 9:34 mark. However, Biola responded with a series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer, which shifted the momentum. Despite a late fast-break layup by Wisniewski, assisted by Remni White, the Sunbirds struggled with turnovers and shooting throughout the quarter. The quarter ended with Biola holding a 14-5 lead.

The Sunbirds found a brief surge in the second quarter when Angela Whitfield hit a three-pointer at 7:53, cutting into Biola's growing lead. Sienna Evans added a layup off a fast break at 4:46, assisted by Alexa Perryman, contributing to the team's fast break points. Despite these efforts, Biola maintained control by shooting 60% from the field and led 37-19 at halftime.

Coming out of the half, the Sunbirds struggled to add more points to the board amidst the Eagles defensive efforts. However, Wilmurt's pass to Whitfield sealed another three-pointer for the Sunbirds, which gave Evans the chance to follow with another huge shot behind the line to make it 38-49 at 1:27. The dynamic duo did everything they could to close the 10-point gap. With twenty-six seconds remaining in the third, the Sunbirds forced a Eagle turnover, allowing Ashley Aughterson to get an offensive rebound from Wisniewski and tip it in, capturing the 40^th point for FPU.

Mason Long, the Sunbird of the Week, made it a four-point deficit in the fourth quarter, after the 'Birds were initially trailing by 20 points. Kira Wilmurt's two shots at the free throw line, made it a on point game, 50-51. At 3:22, Whitfield sank a three-pointer at the top of the key to tie it up 54-54 until Wisniewski captured the first FPU lead since the first quarter with her free throw. The Sunbirds kept up their offensive strategy downtown as Kira Wilmurt hit a three-pointer in the corner to secure the lead. Biola didn't give up hope as the team managed to make a breakway layup to tie the game and send it into overtime, 62-62.

In overtime, the Eagles made two jumpshots to recapture the lead, but Wisniewski responded with a shot in the key to make it 64-66. Despite the Eagles's successful free throws, Alexa Perryman answered with a three-pointer from downtown to keep the Sunbirds in step with the Biola offense. However, in the end, Biola came away victorious 79-73, despite Perryman's buzzer beater shot.

"The final minutes of regulation were gut-wrenching," Beauregard added. "We just couldn't make the one or two plays needed to finish the comeback. Credit to Biola, forcing overtime gave them a surge of momentum, and we weren't able to get our foot back on the gas in those last five minutes."

Overall, Whitfield scored 19 points and recorded 10 rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends of the court with three blocks and two steals. Wilmurt added 14 points, shooting efficiently with 4 of 5 from the field, and provided three assists. Wisniewski posted 14 points and led with four assists, despite committing 10 turnovers. Remni White recorded two steals and added four points, converting 4 of 6 from the free-throw line.

"We'll stay tight in our locker room with a quick turn around to a talented Point Loma team on Saturday. No flinch. We'll keep leaning into the process, the experience we're building together, and the chase of who we know we can become."

NEXT UP: The 'Birds continue PacWest Play on Saturday, Dec. 6! The matchup against Point Loma kicks off at 2 pm.

Come down to the Special Events Center and participate in the Stuffed Animal Toss at halftime! Free admission will be given to those who arrive with a new stuffed animal, which will be donated to the Valley Children's Hospital.

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

• X - @fpusunbirds 
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds