SAN FRANCISCO – The Fresno Pacific volleyball team found itself in a hole on Friday night before the Sunbirds stormed back to earn a five-set victory against Academy of Art in PacWest action. Set scores were 22-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21 and 15-13 in favor of FPU at historic Kezar Pavilion.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 3, Academy of Art 2
Records: FPU (4-9, 3-2 PacWest), ART U (3-9, 0-5 PacWest)
Location:  San Francisco | Kezar Pavilion
Series: The Sunbirds lead the all-time series 11-0
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QUOTABLE:
"We are continuing to try and develop a team culture of trust and confidence - in ourselves as individuals, and collectively as a team. I think tonight's win goes a long way in helping us to build on these concepts." - head coach Tracy Ainger-Schulte
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds won the second set 25-21, but found themselves down in the match 2-1 and on the verge of defeat.
• FPU then responded with a strong defensive effort in the fourth set, leading by as many as 15-9, before evening the match at 2-2.
• ART U managed to jump ahead 7-1 in the decisive fifth set before the 'Birds stormed back. A 9-2 run highlighted the final frame, which included several strong defensive plays from the 'Birds flying across the floor.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Gabriela Macedo had a massive night for the Sunbirds with a double-double of 17 kills (.342) and 15 digs. Greta Dobenecker also added a double-double of 25 assists and 14 digs.
• Caroline Bodziak added eight kills for FPU, while Christina Tran, Kylei Dewar and Madison Pierce each added seven apiece. Tran chipped in with 15 assists and Dewar added four service aces.
• FPU accumulated 13 team blocks on the evening. Pierce was a force in the middle with nine block assists, while Dewar sent back one solo block and seven assisted blocks. Tiff Wong also headed the defensive attack with 21 digs.
• ART U received a game-high 23 assists from Bailey Soolsma and 44 assists from Lilika Teu.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The 13 team blocks were a season-best for the Sunbirds.
• Macedo grabbed her second double-double of the season, while she amassed double-digit kills for the second time in three games.
• Dobenecker now has a team best eight double-doubles.
• Dewar's four aces were a season best for any Sunbird this year, as she leads the team with 16 on the season.
• Pierce's nine blocks were also a year-best for any Sunbird in 2017.
• The Sunbirds have their first winning streak of the season with back-to-back wins.
• FPU also picked up its first win in a five-set match this season, bringing its record to 1-3.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU faces Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, Calif. on Saturday at 3 p.m.