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Michelle Johnson had nine kills as the top-ranked Sunbirds downed PLNU on Saturday.

Women's Volleyball

Sunbirds cruise past Point Loma Nazarene, improve to 10-0.

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No. 1 Fresno Pacific outlasted visiting Point Loma Nazarene in the first two sets, before steamrolling their way to victory in set three (25-21, 25-23, 25-14).

Martina Gregusova finished with 10 kills and 15 digs for the Sunbirds. Lisa Shilling also had 10 kills, while Michelle Johnson and Keke Wang added nine apiece for FPU. Erica Adachi had a game-high 22 assists in the victory.

"Point Loma came in with a good plan and they played hard," said FPU coach Dennis Janzen. "I was pleased at how we were able to respond."

The Sunbirds were able to contain Sea Lion outside hitter and NAIA Player of the Week Tabitha Henken, who was held to six kills on 25 attempts.

FPU opened up an 11-5 lead in the first set, before the Sea Lions battled back to get within one at 14-13. Johnson delivered two quick kills to spark a 4-1 run for FPU, but the Sea Lions fought back to make it 19-17.

A long rally ensued with both teams making outstanding plays to keep the ball in play, but it was the Sunbirds taking the point on a solo block by Gregusova. That was the best opportunity the Sea Lions had and with their momentum halted the Sunbirds went on to take the set 25-21.

The Sea Lions came out firing in set two, taking a 7-4 lead before two kills by Johnson and one from Shilling helped bring the Sunbirds back. FPU gradually took control, but was unable to extend the lead further than four.

A service ace by Alyssa Pitkin brought PLNU to within 22-21, but Wang would end the Sea Lions' hopes by finishing all three of her final attacks to end the set 25-23.

With the Sea Lions' best chances behind them, the Sunbirds would steamroll their way to victory in set three. After trailing 7-5, the team used a 14-3 run to put the match out of reach.

FPU improves to 10-0 (2-0 GSAC) with the win, while the Sea Lions fall to 7-4 (1-1 GSAC). The Sunbirds travel to La Mirada on Tuesday for a match with #10 Biola, which will be the highest ranked team FPU has faced thus far.
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