SURPRISE, Ariz.- What was common often throughout the season remained in the season finale as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (4-14 overall) came up one point short against the Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans (5-12 overall) in the final consolation round of the PacWest Tournament Saturday afternoon at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Club.
 
The 'Birds often saw the doubles point dictate the outcome of their match and the consolation match against Hilo was no different.
 
The Vulcans seized the advantage in just 36 minutes winning 6-4 on court 1 and 6-3 on court 2 to take a 1-0 lead over Fresno Pacific.
 
Martin Ramirez and Gregor Kliimask were tied at 4 on court no. 3 when the point was clinched.
 
Fresno Pacific responded swiftly with Sven Bangert moving up to #4 singles and wrapping up a straight sets to tie the match.
 
Bangert had only played in the 5^th and 6^th positions prior to Saturday, but delivered his most dominant win of the season with a 6-2, 6-1 victory in just 42 minutes.
 
Angel Espana was just a few minutes behind with a 6-3, 6-0 win to put Fresno Pacific out to a 2-1 lead.
 
It took a half hour, but Hilo responded with wins on court no. 2 and court no. 3 to regain the lead.
 
Ben Cronau finished off his strong season with a win in #1 singles, winning a 7-2 tiebreaker to clinch FPU's third point.
 
Hilo already held the lead on court no. 5 and grabbed the victory to end the match.
 
It was another narrow margin as FPU showed its continued growth against the top teams in the conference this weekend.
 
The 'Birds conclude the season at 4-14 overall.
 
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