FRESNO, Calif.- It was all Fresno Pacific Sunbirds Saturday as they won a pair of game against the UC Merced Bobcats and the Occidental College Tigers at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center. 

GAME ONE

The Sunbirds opened their doubleheader day in commanding fashion, overpowering UC Merced 16-9. Right from the start, the Sunbirds asserted their dominance, with Emma Cook converting an early goal off an assist from sister Maggie Cook. UC Merced responded quickly, capitalizing on a power-play opportunity to even the score. However, Fresno Pacific quickly regained the upper hand with Maddie Murad finding the net, followed by Tatum Benson finishing off a crisp pass from Alli Hepner. Frances Benson then added another goal to close the first quarter with a 4-2 Sunbirds advantage.

The second quarter saw the 'Birds' offense find another gear. T. Benson and M. Cook each scored on power plays, exploiting the Bobcats' defensive lapses. Dakota Lambert added another goal with a swift counterattack, stretching the Sunbirds' lead to 7-3. Although UC Merced responded with well-placed shots, Fresno Pacific continued to apply relentless pressure. Bella Alcazar's goal off a pass from Murad, followed by another T. Benson power-play conversion, sent the 'Birds into halftime with a comfortable 9-5 lead.

The third quarter proved to be a statement period for the Sunbirds. T. Benson delivered a stellar stretch, scoring back-to-back goals, bringing her tally to four for the match. M. Cook and Murad added to the onslaught, pushing the lead to 14-7. UC Merced attempted to rally, but the 'Birds' defensive discipline held strong. The Sunbirds' aggressive press forced multiple turnovers, allowing them to maintain control heading into the fourth period.

With victory in sight, Fresno Pacific shifted their focus to controlling the tempo in the fourth quarter. E.Cook netted her second goal of the game, while T. Benson capped off her phenomenal outing with one last strike, courtesy of another pinpoint assist from Alli Hepner, giving T. Benson six on the day. UC Merced, struggling to find opportunities, was shut out in the final minutes as Fresno Pacific sealed a commanding 16-9 win. The Sunbirds' offensive efficiency was on full display, converting 16 of their 29 shots while executing five power-play goals. Goalkeeper Evalena Filippi provided a solid defensive backbone, making crucial saves that prevented UC Merced from closing the gap. 

GAME TWO

In the night game, the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds delivered an explosive performance, dismantling Occidenta College 16-8 in a dominant four-quarter display. From the opening sprint, Fresno Pacific established control, with Regan Azevedo finding the net early to set the tone. Sierra Coyne and Maggie Cook followed up with precise finishes, giving the Sunbirds a 4-2 lead by the end of the first quarter. While Occidental attempted to counter, the Sunbirds' defensive unit remained resolute, limiting clear shooting lanes and forcing difficult attempts.

The second quarter saw the Sunbirds capitalize on exclusions, executing power plays with efficiency. M. Cook struck twice, including a well-placed shot off an assist from Alli Hepner. Frances Benson and Dakota Lambert each contributed a goal, extending Fresno Pacific's lead to 8-3 heading into halftime. Making her season debut in goal, Tatum Benson was a brick wall, recording multiple key saves to deny the Tigers any momentum. As the third quarter began, Occidental attempted to claw back, netting a power-play goal and adding another to cut the deficit. However, the 'Birds responded immediately as Bella Alcazar converted a penalty shot, and Jordyn Aspeitia delivered a crucial goal in the final seconds of the period, keeping the Sunbirds ahead 11-5.

In the final quarter, the Sunbirds put the game out of reach with a relentless offensive push. Azevedo continued her stellar outing with two more goals, including a pinpoint finish off a pass from Maddie Murad. M. Cook added to her tally, converting a penalty shot following an Occidental exclusion. Even as Occidental managed to sneak in a couple of late goals, it was too little, too late. With a balanced offensive attack and lockdown defense, Fresno Pacific cruised to a 16-8 victory. The Sunbirds outshot Occidental 34-32, with their efficiency in front of goal proving to be the difference-maker. T. Benson's stellar performance in the cage, tallying 13 saves, ensured the 'Birds remained in firm control throughout the match.

UP NEXT

The Sunbirds will hop back into WWPA play as they host rival, the Biola Eagles Friday at 1pm at the Sunnyside Aquatics Center. The game will be streamed on the WWPA Network. 

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