HILO, Hawai'i- A career high 21 points for senior Julie Ramirez helped lift the Sunbirds to victory Thursday evening over the Hawaii Hilo Vulcans 63-51 in the first game of the 'Birds three games in Hawaii. 

"We're really happy to come away with a win in our first game on the islands," remarked head coach Tim Beauregard. "This is always a tough trip, and starting off with a win on the Big Island gives us a great boost as we head to Honolulu for the next games."

The game started with the Sunbirds looking to establish a strong presence early. Lydia Manu set the tone by drilling a three-pointer off an assist from Jasmine Heu, giving the Sunbirds their first points of the game. Fresno Pacific's defensive intensity was evident from the start, as they pressured Hawai'i Hilo into multiple early turnovers. However, the Vulcans responded by attacking the paint, hitting mid-range jumpers, and converting in the post. 

Fresno Pacific struggled with their shot selection in the first few minutes, missing open looks beyond the arc, but their effort on the glass kept them in the game. Julie Ramirez connected on a three-pointer to put the Sunbirds ahead 6-0, but Hawaii Hilo quickly answered with an 8-0 run, fueled by a three-pointer and a pair of free throws. The Sunbirds responded with an aggressive approach, drawing fouls and making their way to the free-throw line. BreHurt converted an and-one opportunity to bring Fresno Pacific within a single possession. However, Hawaii Hilo held strong, utilizing a balanced scoring attack from their bench to keep their lead intact.

By the end of the quarter, Hawaii Hilo led 17-14, capitalizing on Fresno Pacific's four early turnovers and fast break struggles. 

Fresno Pacific came into the second quarter with a renewed defensive focus. Jayla Green anchored the defense inside, contesting shots in the paint and securing key rebounds. The 'Birds' perimeter defense improved as well, forcing Hawai'i Hilo into rushed shots late in the shot clock.

Offensively, Fresno Pacific moved the ball more efficiently, resulting in open three-point opportunities for Aaliyah Seuell and Angela Whitfield, both of whom connected from deep to cut into the deficit. Meanwhile, Ramirez remained aggressive, attacking off the dribble and drawing multiple fouls. She knocked down a critical three-pointer at the seven minute mark to tie the game at 19-19.

Hawai'i Hilo struggled from the field in the quarter, going just 2-for-13, as Fresno Pacific's defensive adjustments continued to stifle their attack. The Vulcans relied on free throws to stay within reach, hitting two from the stripe to keep the game close. Fresno Pacific, however, capitalized on turnovers, scoring six points off the Vulcan'smistakes.

Despite Fresno Pacific's improved play, Hawaii Hilo managed to keep the game level by dominating the offensive glass, grabbing six offensive rebounds in the period. A late jumper from Hurt gave the 'Birds a 28-26 lead heading into halftime.

Hurt opened the quarter with a confident mid-range jumper, and the Sunbirds looked sharper on both ends of the floor. They continued to force Hawaii Hilo into tough shots, and their transition game became more effective.

The Sunbirds made a significant push midway through the quarter when Ramirez converted an and one, Manu a jumper, followed by a three-pointer from Jasmine Heu, giving Fresno Pacific a five-point lead. Hawaii Hilo attempted to respond with interior scoring, but Fresno Pacific's perimeter defense held strong. Joleen Corona and Olivia Garcia both came up with key steals, leading to easy fast-break opportunities.

Hawai'i Hilo committed eight turnovers in the third quarter, and Fresno Pacific capitalized, scoring eight points off those mistakes. With Ramirez orchestrating the offense and Green controlling the boards, the Sunbirds finished the quarter leading 47-41.

Entering the final quarter, the 'Birds knew they had to maintain composure to secure the win. Green stepped up once again, providing key rebounds. Meanwhile, Ramirez continued her dominant offensive display, hitting a critical mid-range jumper followed by two free throws to maintain the Sunbirds' lead with just under seven minutes remaining.

Hawai'i Hilo struggled to generate consistent offense, and their reliance on free throws and second-chance opportunities wasn't enough to close the gap. The Vulcans hit a desperation three-pointer, but Fresno Pacific quickly answered with more free-throws from Ramirez and a three from Angela Whitfield, stretching their lead.

The Sunbirds made key defensive stops down the stretch, preventing Hilo from making any late-game push. Ramirez and Heu sealed the game at the free-throw line, knocking down clutch shots to put the game out of reach. Fresno Pacific outscored Hawaii Hilo 16-10 in the final quarter, securing a well-earned 63-51 victory.

"Each game on this trip presents a new challenge, forcing us to find different ways to win, tonight, Hawai'i Hilo played a gritty and physical game, and we had to match that intensity," said Beauregard. 

"We had several players step up and make big plays in key moments, but Julie was outstanding, she came through with multiple winning plays when we needed them most and she simply refused to let us lose tonight."

Up next, the Sunbirds will head to Oa'hu to play two games, the first on Saturday at 6:30p.m against Hawai'i Pacific with the men's game to follow at 8:30p.m. Both games will be streamed on the PacWest Network. 

"Now, we'll focus on getting some rest and preparing for a quick turnaround to Honolulu. Our goal remains the same: keep improving every day, I still believe our best basketball is ahead of us, and there's no flinch in our locker room in that pursuit."

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