FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno Pacific women's basketball celebrated the new year with a 62-53 victory over Hawaii Pacific at the Special Events Center, overcoming an early deficit with a strong 23-point final quarter. It marked the first conference win for the Sunbirds!

"Coming out of Christmas break, we had an excellent week of practice and showed strong buy-in to the defensive steps we're trying to take forward," Tim Beauregard mentioned. "Their mentality and toughness was impressive. We knew the first game back wouldn't be perfect, so our focus was on defensive connection. I was proud of our communication and willingness to stay active defensively throughout the game."

The game began with Sienna Evans hitting a three-pointer at 9:12, assisted by senior returner Angela Whitfield, providing an early lead for the Sunbirds. However, Hawaii Pacific quickly responded and managed to take control, outscoring the Sunbirds in the paint and on fast breaks. Despite a series of free throws by Nina Wisniewski that narrowed the gap, Navy and Orange ended the first quarter trailing 17-8.

Fresno Pacific shifted momentum in the second quarter with a focus on aggressive defense, recording four steals and capitalizing on Hawaii Pacific's turnovers. Senior Aaliyah Seuell's fast-break 3-pointer at 8:20 marked a key moment, cutting into the visitor's lead early in the quarter. Evans contributed significantly with a layup and a jumper, narrowing the gap further. Despite trailing, the Lady 'Birds closed the quarter with a strong push, narrowing the deficit to 27-23 at the half.

Momentum continued for the Sunbirds with a key defensive play by Wisniewski, who stole the ball at 9:00, leading to a jumper by Ashley Aughterson assisted by Evans, narrowing the gap. Whitfield further cut into the deficit with a three-pointer. The Sunbirds continued their push, with Grace Brown's jumper giving them a 37-36 lead at 1:49. A late layup by Seuell extended their advantage. The quarter ended with Fresno Pacific finally outscoring Hawaii Pacific, leading to a score of 39-36.

FPU opened the fourth quarter by exchanging leads with HPU, but Evans' two free throws at 8:24 regained a slight advantage. Not too long after, Whitfield's 3-pointer at 5:44, assisted by Wisniewski, started a crucial stretch for the Sunbirds, who surged ahead with a 9–0 run. A brief response from Hawaii Pacific applied pressure, but the Sunbirds maintained control. Consistent free-throw shooting in the closing seconds ensured the win. The game concluded with a final score of 62–53 in favor of Fresno Pacific.

"Although we have some great upperclassmen who contributed in big ways tonight, it's also easy to see why the future is bright, as we had at least three freshmen on the floor throughout the entire deciding fourth quarter. It'll be a quick turnaround as we dive into film, scout, practice, and body care before hosting a really tough Hilo team on Monday."

Evans led the team with 17 points, converting five of 14 from the field and six of seven free throws, while also recording four steals. She stands in the Top 25 highest scoring players in the PacWest standings and is fifth in free throw percentage. Wisniewski added 12 points, making five of six from the line and contributing three steals and three assists. Whitfield recorded eight rebounds along with eight points, hitting both of her three-point attempts. The Fresno native sits second in conference in rebounds with 89 in total. Aughterson scored six points, shooting three of five from the field.

The Sunbirds are 4-6 overall and 1-4 in PacWest Play.

NEXT UP: The 'Birds are back home for their Monday matchup against Hawaii Hilo at 2 pm. Come cheer on your Sunbirds at the Special Events Center!

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