Box Score

It was nearly a month into the season, but Fresno Pacific finally got to play in front of its home crowd as the team hosted Holy Names on Thursday night. The Sunbirds did not disappoint, quickly taking control and dominating the match from start to finish as FPU won its ninth straight and improved to 10-1 on the year with the 3-0 win (25-14, 25-14, 25-15).

The Sunbirds hit a sizzling .363 on the night, while holding the Hawks to just .107. HNU came in with 2-0 PacWest record after sweeping their first two conference opponents (Academy of Art and Notre Dame de Namur) but would be no match for the Sunbirds, who defeated the Hawks for the second time this season.

"We're really excited to be home," said head coach Kelly Winter. "We had a lot of energy. A lot of people came out, so it was a lot of fun."

FPU had contributions from every player and ended up sitting most of its starters in the deciding third set. Erica Adachi, Jessie Alcorn and Lyndsie Petersen each tied for the team lead with eight kills apiece. All three hit over .300, with Adachi finishing just short of a triple-double, even in the shortened match (23 assists, 8 digs, .500 attack %).

"She (Adachi) does everything for us," said Winter. "She's one of those players you never want to take off the court. She has energy, composure and she knows and reads the game so well. She sees things before they actually happen."

Rupia Inck delivered some devastatingly powerful kills that sent HNU players ducking for cover. She would finish with a .500 attack percentage as well on six kills. Kathleen Anderson and Karah Mitchell added five kills each. FPU's setters, Adachi and Emily Carroll (22 assists), set the tone for the match as they consistently found Sunbird hitters at the right time.

"Our setters are doing an amazing job right now," said Winter. "When they have their hands on the ball we're delivering kills at a very high percentage."

Hannah Butler headed up the defense, turning in a near-flawless 17-dig performance as she swallowed up the few chances that the Hawks did generate.

"Hannah is doing a fabulous job, especially for a freshman," said Winter. "She just has so much energy out there and tenacity on defense."

Rachel Vartanian led the Hawks with five kills, the only HNU player to finish with more than four. HNU fell to 3-8, 2-1 in the PacWest.

FPU is now 2-0 in PacWest play, heading into this Saturday's road match against Azusa Pacific. The Cougars come in with a 9-2 record and will pose a much tougher challenge for the Sunbirds.

Video highlights to come......

The replay of the match can also be watched online. Click the on-demand tab at this LINK