SANGER, Calif.- In their season home opener, a tight battle failed to go the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds way as they fell 14-10 to the Santa Clara Broncos.

The 'Birds and Broncos began the match with intense defensive pressure, each team looking to establish early dominance. Santa Clara struck first, scoring the opening goal. Fresno Pacific responded with two quick goals in a span of 31 seconds, as Tatum Benson found the back of the net off a Sierra Coyne assist, followed by Bella Alcazar converting a well-placed pass from Alli Hepner. 

Santa Clara managed to tie the game just before the period ended scoring with 40 seconds left, leveling the match at 2-2 heading into the second period. Both teams played physically, with multiple exclusions, but neither gained a clear advantage.

Santa Clara came out strong in the second period, quickly regaining the lead converting an extra-man goal. The Sunbirds responded just 15 seconds later, with Emma Cook netting a goal to keep the game close. However, Santa Clara took advantage of defensive lapses, scoring to put the Broncos ahead.

The 'Birds fought back with consecutive goals, first from Benson and then from Alcazar, briefly giving the Sunbirds a 5-4 lead.

However, the Broncos dominated the closing minutes of the period, scoring three unanswered goals, giving them a 7-5 halftime lead.

Fresno Pacific had difficulty generating offensive momentum in the third period, managing only one goal while Santa Clara extended their advantage.

The Sunbirds got their only goal of the period, when Benson converted on an extra-man opportunity, assisted by Regan Azevedo. However, the Bronocs closed the quarter with two more goals, finding the net with just 4 seconds remaining. 

By the end of the third period, Santa Clara held a commanding 10-6 lead.

The Sunbirds showed urgency in the final period, scoring four goals, but the Broncos matched their intensity to maintain their lead. Soph Harvey extended Santa Clara's advantage with a goal at 5:44, but Maggie Cook answered back for the Sunbirds at 5:23 (assisted by Dakota Lambert).

The Broncos kept the pressure on, to make it 12-7. The 'Birds refused to back down, with Hepner adding her name to the score sheet and Emma Cook converting on an extra-man opportunity, closing the gap to 12-9. 

Santa Clara responded once again, scoring anoter pair of goals. The Sunbirds had one final push, with Maggie Cook scoring on an extra-man play at 0:43, but time ran out before they could mount a full comeback.

The Bronocs secured the 14-10 victory, despite the 'Birds late push in the fourth period. 

Up next, the Sunbirds will host the University of Redlands, Friday at 6pm at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center. 

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