Dixie State def. #15 Fresno Pacific 3-2 (19-25, 25-19, 25-16, 24-26, 15-11)

St. George, Utah - Fresno Pacific nearly overcame a long road trip and a tough Dixie State team on its home court, taking the Red Storms to five sets before suffering their third straight setback.

The Sunbirds (6-5, 1-3 PacWest) were much improved from their previous two road losses at Azusa Pacific and California Baptist, but were unable to recover from a 7-2 deficit in the fifth set. The Red Storm continued a hot start to the conference season, improving to 8-3 overall and 5-0 in PacWest play.

"We played a lot better today," said head coach Kelly Winter. "We competed well, we were moving well and playing as a team, but in the end just gave up too many easy points and had a few too many errors. The progress was there, we just need to execute a little better. We were a lot more agressive today, we just need to get mentally tougher."

Rupia Inck and Jessie Alcorn tallied 17 kills apiece but the Sunbirds hit just .146 as a team. Hannah Butler had 33 digs to lead the defense and Bissie DenHartog posted a double-double of 48 assists and 20 digs. Morghan Williams added 10 kills and five blocks.

Lyndsie Petersen had 23 digs and Toni Murphy gave the Sunbirds a spark off the bench in her first major action of the year.

Shannon Young had 18 kills and 11 digs to lead DSU, which won its first ever match over a ranked opponent. Alex Anderson had 30 digs for the Red Storm.

The Sunbirds will look to get out of the slump on Wednesday night when they play their long-awaited home opener, taking on Hawaii Hilo at 7 pm. Winter is hoping the home crowd will help turn the tide in the recent slump the team is working through.

"It will be a big mental boost for all of us, playing in front of our home fans," said Winter. "At this point in the season it's still early so getting better and making progress is the focus. If we can keep making progress and getting mentally tougher like we did today I think we'll be right where we need to be."