MERCED, Calif. – A stone's throw down Highway 99, Fresno Pacific competed against tough CCAA opponent UC Merced, only allowing one goal in their sole match of the week. American Samoa call-up Ayana Kirisimasi made her return to the Sunbirds and proved formidable in the goal.

The Sunbirds held off the Bobcats for the entire first half, fending off multiple shots and clever attempts made against them. Crucial saves made by Kirisimasi kept the Sunbirds afloat during UC Merced's offensive onslaught. The sophomore goalkeeper recorded eight saves while facing 18 shots in her full 90 minutes of play. Fresno Pacific managed a few counterattacks, earning corner kicks in the 12th and 42nd minutes, but the half ended scoreless.

Gizelle Aguirre was the first FPU player to make an attempt on the Bobcats. UC Merced applied more pressure in the second half, and finally netted a goal at the 55^th minute. Returners Gizelle Aguirre and Melanie Mendizabal, as well as freshmen Abby Cano Ledezma and Bailey Roberson, responded in kind, rushing down the field to try and tie it back up. Two of the last-minute shots sailed past the goal, but Mendizabal's shot was right on target before it was saved near the center of the net.

Despite the Sunbirds' efforts, UC Merced protected their lead until the clock ran out, making the final score 0-1.

"Another hard fought battle against a tough CCAA team," said head coach Roberto Hernandez. "We've learned a lot in our non-conference games. Now we are ready for conference play, we've learned our lessons and will bounce back against Chaminade."

NEXT UP: The Sunbirds will be back at home on September 25^th for their first conference match against Chaminade. The action kicks off at 4 pm on Ramirez Field.

 SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

• X - @fpusunbirds 
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds