Box Score Fresno Pacific def. Seattle Pacific 3-1 (25-17, 20-25, 25-20, 27-25)SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - FPU completed a 4-0 weekend at the PacWest/GNAC Crossover Classic on Saturday by defeating the tournament's other previously unbeaten team, Seattle Pacific, in four sets. The Sunbird middle blockers dominated the match as
Kathleen Anderson finished with 16 kills to just one error (.556) and
Morghan Williams added 13 kills and eight blocks.
Hannah Butler had 14 digs to lead a back row that displayed excellent passing throughout the match, allowing the Sunbirds to stay in-system and get the ball to Anderson and Williams.
Rupia Inck added a double-double of 10 kills and 10 digs and
Sarah McCann dished out 44 assists. Anderson was named MVP of the tournament while Butler was also named to the all-tournament team.
"Our passing was really good and it ended up being crucial to be able to get our middles going the way we did," said head coach
Kelly Winter. "Seattle Pacific is a very good, physical team and this would have been a much different match if it wasn't for our passing."
The Falcons (6-2) came back to force extra points in set four but with the score tied 25-25 the Sunbirds turned to their go-to player. Anderson delivered back-to-back kills down the middle of the court to complete the victory and improve FPU to 6-3 on the year.
Ellie Britt had a match-high 17 kills to lead the Falcons but FPU held SPU to a .162 attack percentage on the day.
"We got a lot better as a team this weekend," said Winter. "Our passing improved a lot and we played smart and executed in each match. We need to continue to do a better job of communicating on the court but I'm pleased with how disciplined this group has become."
The Sunbirds have now won five in a row and begin PacWest play next week with a grueling three-day road trip to Southern California against some of the league's top teams, beginning with conference preseason favorite Point Loma on Thursday in San Diego.
"Next week we have our work cut out for us," said Winter. "We're going to have to be that much better, that much more disciplined and play clean volleyball."
