IRVINE, Calif.- In a fiercely contested matchup that featured offensive fireworks and dramatic swings in momentum, Fresno Pacific dropped a heartbreaker to Concordia 18-16 in double overtime on Saturday in Irvine. The match was a rollercoaster from the opening sprint to the final whistle, with the Sunbirds showing resilience and firepower throughout.

The opening quarter was a scoring frenzy, with both teams combining for 12 goals. Fresno Pacific struck first at 6:18 through Maddie Murad, but Concordia answered quickly. Goals from Maggie Cook and Emma Cook kept the 'Birds in rhythm, with Tatum Benson and Bella Alcazar also adding to the tally. Despite Fresno Pacific's five goals, Concordia edged the period 7-5 with late conversions giving the hosts a slim lead. 

Fresno Pacific came out strong in the second quarter, led by a goal and an assist from M. Cook. Regan Azevedo also found the back of the net, and the defense clamped down to limit Concordia to just one goal. The Sunbirds outscored Concordia 3-1 in the period, evening the match at 8-8 and showing their ability to respond under pressure.

The third quarter saw both teams trade goals, with E. Cook scoring again for Fresno Pacific and Sierra Coyne adding a power-play conversion. While Sierrah Ferguson remained a thorn in the Sunbirds' side, the quarter ended level with each team posting two goals. Entering the fourth period, the match remained deadlocked at 10-10.

Fresno Pacific appeared poised to pull ahead with early goals from Murad and Emma Cook, but Concordia stayed close with goals from Tyukasz and Smiley. With time winding down, the Sunbirds trailed by one and it was all hands on deck, goalie Katie Whittingham came through for the 'Birds scoring a stunning equalizer with just one second remaining, tying the game at 13-13 and sending it into overtime. 

In the first overtime period, E. Cook scored her fifth of the day to put the Sunbirds up 14-13. Concordia responded through Ferguson, but M. Cook quickly restored the lead for the Sunbirds. A goal by the Golden Eagles tied it once again, and despite another go-ahead goal from E. Cook, Concordia had the final word in the first overtime period, knotting the game back up 16-16.

Fatigue set in as both teams dug deep in the second overtime. Concordia took control with a pair of goals. Despite the 'Birds' efforts, they were unable to answer back, and a late goal from Concordia sealed the Sunbirds' fate.

Emma Cook led all scorers with five goals, while Maggie Cook added four goals and Regan Azevedo contributed a team-high four assists. The Sunbirds outshot Concordia 39-37 but struggled on sprints, losing all six. Goalie Katie Whittingham tallied four saves in the first half, while Evalena Filippi added four more in relief.

UP NEXT

The Sunbirds will head back home for a non-conference game against the Azusa Pacific Cougars Friday at 2pm at Sunnyside Aquatics Center. 

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