SAN FRANCISCO – The Fresno Pacific University volleyball team opened PacWest pod play in commanding fashion, taking down Academy of Art 3-1 (23-25, 25-13, 25-18, 25-11) on Thursday afternoon.  

QUOTABLE:  

• "Today we got to see a lot of our hard work pay off. Our offense was on fire in and out of system today which was evident by the efficiency from Corinne and Makena. That execution allowed other hitters to be able to play in rhythm. Catie and Lauren ran a perfectly balanced offense with 19 assists a piece. Everyone just did their job and stayed on task throughout the entire match." – head coach Shasta Millhollin 

HOW IT HAPPENED:  

• The Sunbirds opened the match strong, hustling to an 11-3 lead in the first set before the Urban Knights stormed back to take a 14-13 lead.
• Again, the Blue and Orange gained separation, as an ace from Corinne Acosta gave them a 21-18 set lead.
• ART U used a 7-2 run to take the opening set 25-23.
• FPU opened the second set by exploding to a 13-3 lead.
• Makena Ogas had the kill that was the final point in the second set, as the Sunbirds took it 25-13.
• The Third set began with an 8-4 run from the Urban Knights.
• A service error opened the door for the 'Birds, as a 12-3 run was capped by a kill from Catie Speas, putting her team up 16-11.
• The Blue and Orange maintained their lead, going on to take the set 25-18.
• FPU dominated the fourth and final set, emerging with a 10-1 lead early in the frame.
• The score was 15-9 when the Sunbirds went on a 10-2 run to take the set 25-11 and complete the match victory.

STATS FROM THE DAY:  

• Acosta led everyone with 19 kills on an incredible .486 hitting percentage. She added 10 digs to complete the double-double.
• Ogas was the only other 'Bird to finish with double-figure kills, hammering home 12 while adding five blocks.
• Speas had a well-rounded day, tying Lauren Ornbaun with a team-high 19 assists while mixing in eight digs and six kills.
• As a team, the Sunbirds hit .316 while suppressing ART U to a hitting percentage of .114.
• The defense was led by Chantel Montayre, who scooped up a team-high 14 digs.  
• FPU gained an advantage at the net, racking up eight total blocks to just two from the Urban Knights.  

UP NEXT:  

• The Sunbirds resume PacWest pod play on Saturday when they host Dominican at 3 p.m. inside the Special Events Center. Stay tuned to Sunbird Social and FPUAthletics.com for all schedule updates.  

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