HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Fresno Pacific women's basketball team had a dominant showing over Chaminade on Thursday night. The Sunbirds jumped to a 24-11 lead by halftime, but the Silverswords applied pressure in the fourth quarter with a 13-point run that put strain on the 'Birds for a short while.

"We're excited to start this trip with a win," said head coach Tim Beauregard. "Every time we come to Hawai'i, we understand it may take three completely different ways to win three games. That's part of the challenge — and part of the growth."

Fresno Pacific opened the game with a strong defensive presence, forcing Chaminade into eight turnovers during the first quarter. Returning to the court, freshman superstar Sienna Evans led the offensive charge, hitting a three-pointer at 8:56 and later contributing a fastbreak layup at 4:24. Mason Long extended the lead with a three-pointer at 2:57, resulting in a 9–4 advantage. The Sunbirds finished the quarter up 11–7, then increased the lead during the second quarter with a solid inside game, scoring 12 points in the paint to go 24-11 into the half.

"Our defensive intensity gave us a foundation tonight. It helped us find rhythm, create separation, and build a cushion. That's who we have to be — a team that defends first."

In the third quarter, the Sunbirds made a beeline to the net, scoring not once but twice, to get a bigger lead against the Silverswords. Fresno Pacific's ability to beat out the awaiting defenders gave them an edge, 30-13. It was the biggest lead the 'Birds had acquired all season. However, Sunbird turnovers were the Silverswords' saving grace as they managed to diminish the gap, 30-17 within the span of two minutes. It was Trinity Tolbert's three-point play and Aaliyah Seuell's first three-pointer that brought back the 'Birds offensive momentum. The Blue and Orange continued to show their dominance, sinking free throws and a driving layup by Whitfield at 1:15 to conclude the third quarter, 41-20.

The Sunbirds faced some challenges in the final stretch. Mason Long and Aughterson worked together to score the first point of the fourth with a thrilling layup on the left side. It sparked Aughterson's scoring drive with a layup assisted by Alexa Perryman at 8:57 and after getting fouled, a free throw to boost the score, 46-28. At the six-minute mark, Chaminade began to apply more pressure to the 'Birds, taking care of business with a 13-point run. The 'Birds watched the gap diminish as the Silverswords sank a three-pointer, notched a couple steals to make back-to-back layups, and narrowly missed a three-point play opportunity.  Chaminade took the momentum, bringing it to a seven-point deficit, 46-39. Pushing through a nasty fall, Wilmurt broke the Silverswords' scoring streak with a free throw at 2:38, then Evans nailed a pull-up jumper in the key to put the 'Birds nine points ahead, 49-40. As the clock wound down, both teams attempted to slow the other down, but the game ended in FPU's favor, 50-42.

"I would've liked for us to close with a little more game management down the stretch, but credit to Chaminade as they capitalized on a few opportunities, shrank the lead, and made us earn it. We'll celebrate this one because we know it's never easy to win here. Then we'll turn the page. Tomorrow it's film, scout, and practice for a tough HPU team on Saturday."

Senior Whitfield recorded a career-high 14 rebounds, rivaling her 13 from the previous season, and added two blocks. In her return to the court, Evans scored 14 points and collected four steals, leading the team in both categories. Wisniewski contributed two steals, bolstering the defense.

The Sunbirds have a record of 8-14 overall and 5-12 in PacWest play.

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

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