MORGANTOWN, WV.- The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds battled fiercely but ultimately fell 16-10 to the McKendree University Bearcats in a high-paced, penalty-heavy showdown Saturday morning at the Mylan Park Aquatics Center. 

Fresno Pacific entered the game looking to make an early statement, but it was the Bearcats who struck first at 5:49. The 'Birds didn't take long to answer, as Maggie Cook capitalized on an opportunity created by Regan Azevedo at 3:05, tying the game at 1-1. However, the Sunbirds struggled to maintain momentum, committing four exclusions in the period, which proved costly. The Bearcats scored two quick goals, including a critical even-strength goal with just one second left to push McKendree ahead 3-1 after the first period. Fresno Pacific goalie Katie Whittingham faced heavy pressure early, registering a few saves but battling a relentless attack. 

The Sunbirds came out firing to start the second as Maddie Murad found the net at 7:22 off a sharp assist from Tatum Benson, cutting the deficit to one. Less than a minute later, Alli Hepner set up Regan Azevedo for a beautiful equalizer, tying the score 3-3 and injecting life into the 'Birds. Multiple exclusions led to a McKendree penalty shot goal to push the Bearcats back ahead. Though Bella Alcazar scored at 3:46, assisted by Dakota Lambert, to keep it tied, but McKendree stayed a step ahead, netting another late-period goal. The 'Birds headed into the third period trailing 6-4. 

Unfortunately, the third period turned into an avalanche against the Sunbirds. Despite a penalty-shot goal from T. Benson at 6:54 to keep things close early, McKendree's offense exploded, scoring multiple goals. Fresno Pacific tried to respond as Murad scored again, this time on a power play assisted by M. Cook, and then M. Cook herself tacked on a goal assisted by Hepner, but McKendree's 7-goal barrage in the third was overwhelming. At the end of three, Fresno Pacific trailed 13-7, with a mountain to climb in the fourth. 

Despite the steep hill to climb, the Sunbirds showed tremendous heart in the fourth. After McKendree scored twice early to extend their lead, Hepner netted a gritty goal with help from Sierra Coyne. Coyne then buried a penalty shot to cut into the deficit further. In the final seconds, Murad, completed her hat trick with a goal just as the clock expired. The Fresno Pacific offense produced three goals in the fourth, showing no quit, but McKendree's earlier dominance was too much to overcome. 

UP NEXT

The Sunbirds will head to the third place game where they will face the rival CSUMB Sea Otters at 11am PST at the Mylan Park Aquatics Center. 

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