RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific volleyball team hit the road to take on La Sierra University on Thursday evening. The Sunbirds were one point away from sealing the match in the final set, but the Golden Eagles came back to take the match 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-23, 15-25, 17-15).  
 
QUOTABLE:  

• "Our team fought like crazy against a strong, physical La Sierra squad. There were moments where we were serving tough, and our passing was strong. During those stretches, our defense was dauntless which led to solid offensive performances. This was one of those matches where we left everything we had on the court. We are proud of our team for the way they competed tonight." – head coach Shasta Millhollin 

HOW IT HAPPENED:  

• The opening frame featured 12 ties before the Golden Eagles escaped with a narrow 25-23 win.
• The Sunbirds found their way in the second set as a kill from Makena Ogas put the team up 9-6 in the early stages.
• Catie Speas sparked a 17-6 run that launched the 'Birds to a 25-16 second set victory.
• The Blue and Orange trailed 20-11 in the third set when Anastassiya Barakhoyeva hammered home a kill that started a 12-5 run.
• The run wasn't enough, as the home team took the third set 25-23.
• Corinne Acosta smashed a kill that capped 7-0 run for the Sunbirds that put them up 11-4 in the fourth set.
• The visitors maintained their lead and went on to force a final set with a 25-15 fourth set victory.
• Kills from Acosta and Lauren Ornbaun helped the Sunbirds create separation in the fifth set, putting them up 14-12 with a point to go.
• After three straight points from the Golden Eagles, Acosta had the kill the knotted the final set at 15.
• The hosts found the final points they needed to take the final set 17-15.

STATS FROM THE DAY:  

• Acosta was excellent for the Sunbirds, racking up a game-high 21 kills on a .353 hitting percentage. She tacked on 12 digs for a double-double.
• Speas led the 'Birds with 21 assists while adding 18 digs to complete the double-double.
• The defensive charge was led by Chantel Montayre, who accumulated 23 digs during the contest.
• Ogas accounted for 15 kills, while Barakhoyeva had 10 kills.

UP NEXT:  

• The Sunbirds open PacWest pod play on March 13 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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