FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific and Fresno State faced off in the annual crosstown match at the Save Mart Center on Tuesday night in front of 1,583 Valley fans. The Sunbirds played the tall and athletic Bulldogs tough, but ultimately fell 3-0. Set scores were 25-15, 25-16 and 25-9 in favor of the home team.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno State 3, Fresno Pacific 0
Records: FS (4-0), FPU (0-4)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Save Mart Center
Series: The Sunbirds lead 7-6
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QUOTABLE:
• "I thought we played pretty solid volleyball for stretches tonight. I think our youth and inexperience are still evident, so we will continue to develop our game knowledge and skill set moving forward. The first two sets I thought we stayed mentally tough and focused, but by set three our mindset was definitely not what it needed to be. It was a great environment to play in. It's always nice to see the local community come out in support of our programs." – head coach Tracy Ainger-Schulte
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds used a 7-1 run in the middle of the opening set to put the 'Dogs on their heels. FS responded, however, to win the first frame and jump ahead in the match.
• The second set went back and forth throughout, as FPU held a lead on five different occasions. The Bulldogs needed a 6-1 run at the end of the set to earn the win. The 'Birds had their best hitting percentage of the night at .286 in the frame.
• Fresno State then continued its momentum into the third and held the Sunbirds to a negative hitting percentage to earn the sweep.
 
STATS OF THE MATCH:
• Caroline Bodziak and Madison Pierce led the Sunbirds with five kills apiece, while Greta Dobenecker amassed eight assists and six digs. 
• The Sunbirds were held to .036 hitting in the match, while the 'Dogs countered at .302.
• Fresno State took advantage of nine aces on the night.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• The match counted as an exhibition for the Sunbirds, while the Bulldogs were able to count it as an official win.
• The Bulldogs have now won the last six matchups after FPU had taken the first seven meetings.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU hosts a 12-game tournament on Friday and Saturday. The Sunbirds open play at the West Region Showcase on Friday, August 31 at 8:30 a.m. against Simon Fraser.