HONOLULU, Hawai'i- It was a late night thriller for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds as they completed the comeback from two sets down Wednesday night at the Shark Tank to defeat the Hawai'i Pacific Sharks 3-2.

The first set began with the Sharks taking the lead as the Sunbirds struggled with attack errors.

HPU capitalized on these mistakes and quickly advanced the score and maintained a slight edge despite Fresno's attempts to close the gap.

The 'Birds fought back with strong plays by Madison Girnius, who contributed multiple kills.

FPU narrowed the lead to within two points after a service ace by Claire Corippo and kills from Mia Gilcrest, but the Sharks ultimately closed the set 25-22 after a decisive kill. 

The second set was tightly contested, marked by both teams trading points with well-placed attacks and blocks.

The 'Birds initially took a slight lead, with Gilcrest and Smith executing clean kills and contributing to a solid FPU offense.

However, the Sharks stepped up with two service aces in a row, allowing HPU to edge back into the lead.

Despite efforts from FPU's Cambria Waites and another critical kill from Gilcrest, the Sharks responded with powerful attacks.

HPU continued to control the pace and rallied to pull ahead in the final moments of the set, taking it 25-21.

Down two sets, the Sunbirds came out with determination in the third set.

FPU improved their attacking efficiency, hitting .371 overall, with Girnius, Smith, and Gilcrest leading the charge.

The 'Birds blocking also intensified, with Girnius and Elliott putting up critical blocks that halted HPU's momentum.

Although HPU's hitting continued to be effective, the Sunbirds persistence paid off.

Smith and Gilcrest scored critical kills, and despite a late surge by HPU, FPU managed to secure the set 25-23, keeping their hopes alive in the match.

With the momentum shift favoring them, the 'Birds took control in the fourth set and dominated early.

Waites proved instrumental in distributing the ball effectively, creating opportunities for Gilcrest and Smith, who delivered multiple powerful kills.

FPU's serving pressure, especially from Smith and Corippo, caused difficulties for HPU's defense.

HPU struggled with several attack errors, while FPU's defense, led by Waites and Gilcrest, held strong.

The Sunbirds solid teamwork and consistency on both sides of the net led to a resounding 25-13 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The fifth set was a nail-biter, with both teams vying for every point.

Girnius and Gilcrest contributed early kills to give the Sunbirds a slight edge, but the Sharks responded with well-placed attacks to keep the score close.

FPU's defense, particularly from McKenna Hughes and Corippo, was pivotal, making critical digs to keep rallies alive.

With the score tied at 13, FPU's Waites set up Gilcrest for the kill, putting FPU at match point.

A final attack error by HPU sealed the win for Fresno Pacific, as they clinched the set 15-13, completing the remarkable comeback to win the match 3-2.

Gilcrest led the team with 21 kills, with nine other Sunbirds contributing for one or more. 

The Sunbirds have a quick turnaroud as they face the PacWest undefeated Chaminade Silverswords Thursday night at 10:00pm PST. 


SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

Twitter - @fpusunbirds 
Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
Facebook - /FPUsunbirds 

#TeamFPU