SAN FRANCISCO – Fresno Pacific concluded play at the West Region Volleyball Showcase on Saturday, as the Sunbirds dropped the finale to Cal State L.A. in straight sets. Scores from The Swamp on the campus of San Francisco State were 25-20, 25-22 and 25-20 in favor of the Golden Eagles.
 
The Sunbirds finish the three-day showcase with a 2-2 overall record. Cal State L.A., which has won three at the showcase, moves to 4-3 overall.
 
Karah Mitchell led FPU with 11 kills and 14 points. The junior has totaled double-digit kills in three of four matches on the young season. Montana Lowe added seven kills on .462 hitting, while Carley Bock put down six. Bissie DenHartog totaled 30 assists to move her streak of games with 30 or more helpers to four.
 
The Sunbirds were held to .160 hitting in the match, which included a .088 mark in the second set. The Golden Eagles countered with a .233 mark as a team and dominated at the net with nine blocks to the Sunbirds' five.
 
After dropping the first set, the Sunbirds used a 6-1 run late in the second frame to lead 22-18. The Golden Eagles responded, however, with a 7-0 run to close the set and lead the match 2-0. CSULA finished the match with a strong third set, hitting .294.
 
CSULA received 14 kills from Alma Serna on .480 hitting. She also added six blocks and eight digs.

"Four matches in three days was definitely tough," said head coach Tracy Ainger-Schulte. "We were a different team the first two matches when we were fresh - which means we have to get our fitness better. I'm pleased with our start to the season, and with the commitment the players have shown in working to meet the expectations we have set before them. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am happy with where we are at this point in the season."

FPU is back in action on Monday against crosstown rival Fresno State. The Sunbirds and Bulldogs are set to start at 7 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. FPU students can buy tickets for $4 from Student Life and are encouraged to wear orange.