Fresno, CA (January 26, 2013)- Despite a fourth consecutive 20-plus point game from Melody Ladrido, the Hawai'i Pacific (11-4, 7-2) women's basketball team suffered its second loss in conference play, losing to Fresno Pacific (3-14, 3-7) by the score of 73-72. The Sea Warriors led by as many as 16 points in the second half before the Sunbirds completed the improbable comeback in front of a sellout crowd.

Things looked good in the first half for the Sea Warriors as they jumped out to seven-point lead after a Mikela Thoemmes steal and assist to Ladrido who laid it in with 11:45 remaining in the first half. It would be Ladrido returning the favor, finding Thoemmes for a jumper with 5:13 to go giving HPU a 10 point lead.  Susannah Walmsley would hit a layup with nine seconds remaining to give the Sea Warriors a 13 point lead at break, 42-29.

In the second half, the Sea Warriors would be doomed by 13 turnovers and a long scoring drought. HPU would stretch its lead out to 16 early in the second half after a Ladrido lay-up with 16:16 to play. The Sea Warriors would maintain a double digit lead until Keairra White would hit a three-pointer to spark a 12-0 run for the Sunbirds that would tie the game with 6:41 to play. The Sea Warriors would go nearly eight minutes without a field goal.

The closing minutes would see three ties and six lead changes as both sides fought for the victory. The Sea Warriors would take a one point lead with 3:20 remaining after Heidi Anton found a cutting Skye Savini for a layup. The Sunbirds would hit a three-pointer to give FPU the lead just 20 seconds later making the score 72-70. Savini would again tie the game with 19 seconds left after hitting a jumper.

The Sea Warriors would stop the Fresno Pacific on the ensuing possession, but Charde Stevens would pull down the offensive rebound for the Sunbirds forcing HPU to foul. Stevens would hit one of two free throws to give FPU the lead with nine seconds remaining. The Sea Warriors would have one last chance, but failed to get a shot off on the final possession.

The Sea Warriors finished the game shooting 47.6 percent (30-63) from the field while holding the Sunbirds to 32.1 percent (23-89). HPU was hindered by 21 turnovers versus the FPU's 14. Fresno Pacific also out-rebound the Sea Warriors 23-12 on the offensive glass.

The Sea Warriors finished their four game West Coast road swing going 3-1.

After four road games in eight days, the HPU women will return to Oahu to take on University of Hawaii at Hilo on February 2nd at the Neal S Blaisdell Center. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 PM.



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