After a tough loss to Cal Baptist last night that eliminated FPU from postseason contention, the Sunbirds were unable to match the intensity of a Dixie State team in need of a win to secure a spot in the NCAA West Region playoffs.

Kathleen Anderson had eight kills for the Sunbirds in her final collegiate game. Hannah Butler added 12 digs. FPU finishes the season with a record of 20-9 overall, 14-6 in PacWest play for a fourth-place finish.

FPU celebrated the careers of five seniors that have meant a great deal to the program over the past five years: Alyse Arentz, Kathleen Anderson, Rupia Inck, Toni Murphy and Amy Siemens. During the five years represented by this graduating class, the Sunbirds have posted a record of 116-38 (.753 win percentage).

Anderson finished her career with 1,071 kills (16th all-time), 476 blocks (9th all-time) and a .332 career attack percentage (13th all-time). Inck finished with 1,254 career kills (12th all-time) and cracked the top ten in kills per set.

The Red Storm (20-8, 17-3 PacWest) locked up second place in the PacWest with the victory and iin all likelihood locked up the final spot in the NCAA West Regional as well.

FPU expects to be back in the top half of the conference next season with a talented senior class led by Butler and Morghan Williams, to go with a highly-touted recruiting class coming in.

FPU Volleyball Seniors

Kathleen Anderson

A 5th-year senior from Lemoore, Kathleen joined the Sunbirds in 2010 and made an immediate impact as a freshman starter on a national championship team. In four seasons she's amassed 1,063 kills, 475 blocks and a career attack percentage of .334, ranking among all-time program leaders in all three categories. She graduates as one of the most accomplished athletes in FPU volleyball history. Honors include NAIA 1st team All-American, PacWest Newcomer of the Year and FPU Athletics' highest annual honor, the Sunbird of the Year award.

Coach Winter says: Kathleen is the glue that holds our team together. Her control of the net as a middle blocker is impressive and she is huge force for us offensively as well. She has been a valuable leader on this team, demonstrating what it means to lead by serving. Her selflessness and determination has been key to creating the culture of love, respect and success on our team. Kathleen will graduate next month with a degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical therapy and a minor in coaching.

Toni Murphy

Toni joined the Sunbirds in 2013 and has spent two seasons as one of the team's most versatile players and top defensive specialists. She has 247 career digs and currently leads the PacWest in service aces per set.

Coach Winter says: Toni has contributed two years of love for the game of volleyball here at FPU. She has been asked to play many positions and has handled change and challenge with a great attitude. This year has been her most successful yet as the conference leader in service aces and a huge contributor defensively. Toni's positive outlook on life has helped influence the team's culture of success this year. She will graduate with a degree in psychology this spring.

Alyse Arentz

Alyse joined the Sunbirds in 2012 and has contributed to the team in many ways. She's also starred in the classroom as a 3-time PacWest Scholar Athlete.

Coach Winter says: Alyse has given so much heart and stability to our program over the last three years. She makes her teammates better every day in practice. She holds herself to extremely high standards and is a very positive influence on her teammates. She has committed herself to excellence in the classroom and will graduate with a degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science and a minor in psychology.  Alyse absolutely loves to workout-challenge her teammates in the fitness center. She motivates her team with encouragement, love and commitment to excellence.

Amy Siemens

Amy joined the team in 2011 and has been a positive presence on and off the court throughout her four years. She has 93 career blocks and has also contributed to an outstanding FPU volleyball team GPA, as a 3-time PacWest Scholar Athlete.

Coach Winter says: Amy has invested four years of love and compassion with the volleyball team. Her joy for the simple things in life is contagious and she challenges her teammates to embrace challenges in life and find your identity in Christ. Amy has been a valuable member of this team by serving others and looking for ways to make a difference in her teammates' lives. Amy will graduate with a degree in social work and a minor in psychology.

Rupia Inck

Originally from Uberaba, Brazil, Rupia came to FPU in 2011 and has played three seasons with the team. In that time she's compiled 1,250 kills, 805 digs, 188 blocks and 92 service aces. Honors include 2012 NCCAA West Region Player of the Year, First Team All-American and two-time All-PacWest selection.

Coach Winter says: Rupia has been one of the hardest working players in our program. Rupia plays the game with passion and energy, impressing her many fans. She has taught her teammates to love people and embrace new cultures. Rupia challenges herself to be a better volleyball player, a better student and a better person every day. You can find her traveling and hiking in beautiful places all around the world in her near future. Rupia will graduate this spring with a degree in psychology.