SAN DIEGO – The Fresno Pacific volleyball team outlasted Point Loma in five sets on Saturday for the second time this season. Set scores from Golden Gymnasium were 25-20, 18-25, 22-25, 25-20 and 15-8 in favor of the Sunbirds.
 
FPU improves to 8-9 overall and 6-7 in the PacWest with the win, while PLNU falls to 8-14 overall and 6-7 in league action. The win marked the first win in San Diego for Fresno Pacific since 2012.
 
The Sunbirds jumped out to a quick start after winning the opening set 25-20, fueled by a 5-1 run to close the set that was capped off by a kill from Montana Lowe. PLNU answered with victories in the next two sets. FPU answered, however, with a victory in set four to force a decisive fifth set.  The Sunbirds dominated the final frame, hitting .455 as a team while holding the Sea Lions to a .091 clip.
 
"I was extremely pleased with our team for closing that match out on our terms," said head coach Tracy Ainger-Schulte. "The girls trusted the learning and competitive processes that we have been working to develop all season long. They demonstrated that in crunch time of a tight match, when we needed it most."
 
Karah Mitchell led the Sunbirds with 20 kills and 14 digs, while Jasmine Phoolka put down a career-best 16 kills and added 12 digs. Bissie DenHartog also added a double-double of 52 assists and 19 digs, while Chelsea Speaks added a team-high 21 digs. Lowe chipped in with 14 kills and six blocks.
 
Point Loma received 23 kills from Brianna Sizemore, while Christin Fisher added 37 digs.
 
The Sunbirds turn right around and host Dixie State on Monday at 7 p.m. FPU is hosting a Trunk or Treat event starting at 5:30 p.m. and all fans are welcomed to wear costumes.