Sunbird fans come out in force as team renews rivalry with Fresno State

Box Score

Fresno State def. Fresno Pacific 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-23) - Exhibition

FRESNO, Calif. - FPU and Fresno State renewed their annual volleyball exhibition on Tuesday night, with the Sunbirds falling in three close sets. Much like years past, the match was a great community event seen by a crowd of 1,784, which will likely go down as the highest attended volleyball match in the Valley this year.

The Sunbirds jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the match but were unable to get into a consistent rhythm throughout the night. The team held a lead in all three sets and made the final set come down to the wire, while out-hitting Fresno State .314 to .262 in the final frame. Ultimately though it was the size and athleticism of the Bulldogs that won out.

"This was a great setting for us to see what we need to work on," said head coach Kelly Winter. "Tonight definitely exposed some things we need to get better at. We were being too careful and played really hesistant at times, while they did a good job with their physicality. If we clean those things up and serve a little bit tougher to keep teams out of system that's really going to help us, especially heading into three weeks of primarily home matches. We need to be the ones to set the tone and set the pace."

One area the Sunbirds did come out on top was the crowd atmosphere, with the stands being filled overwhelmingly with orange shirts. The game also attracted many young fans eager to see the Valley's top two programs.

Kathleen Anderson led the Sunbirds with nine kills and seven blocks. Hannah Butler had 14 digs and Sarah McCann finished with 17 assists and Bissie DenHartog added 12.

Maci Murdock was the difference-maker for the Bulldogs, with 15 kills on a .464 attack percentage.

FPU is now 7-2 all-time against Fresno State, with the Bulldogs winning each of the last two matches.

The Sunbirds resume PacWest play next Wednesday, hosting four-time defending conference champion BYU Hawaii, ranked #4 nationally.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Kathleen Anderson: MB; 6' 1"; Senior

#5 Hannah Butler: L; 5' 7"; Junior

#9 Bissie DenHartog: S; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#3 Sarah McCann: S/OH; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#10 Kathleen Anderson
: 6' 1"; Senior
: MB

#5 Hannah Butler
: 5' 7"; Junior
: L

#9 Bissie DenHartog
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: S

#3 Sarah McCann
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: S/OH