HONOLULU, Hawai'i- A wire to wire five set match failed to go the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds way Thursday night as they fell 3-2 to the #7 Chaminade Silverswords in McCabe Gymnasium. 

Chaminade established an early rhythm, leveraging errors from the Sunbirds while setting up their offensive strength.

Mia Gilcrest and Geneva Elliott responded with kills, but the 'Birds struggled with consistency, especially against Chaminade's blocking lineup, which recorded five blocks in this set alone.

The Silverswords also landed two service aces, keeping the Sunbirds on the defensive.

Fresno Pacific attempted a comeback but, Chaminade closed out the set at 25-19. 

The Sunbirds returned with stronger momentum in the second set, anchored by Elliott, who recorded a stellar .714 hitting percentage, going 5-for-7 without any errors.

Cambria Waites set up an effective offense, keeping the Silversword's blockers on their toes.

Elliott and Gilcrest put up a defensive stand, with the 'Birds increasing their block count significantly and forcing errors on Chaminade's end.

The Sunbirds went on a four-point scoring run, including a service ace from Claire Corippo, and controlled the set with a .300 hitting percentage while holding Chaminade to a .091.

Fresno Pacific finished strong, taking the set 25-16, leveling the match at 1-1.

The third set was marked by intense back-and-forth rallies.

Madison Girnius and Gilcrest made crucial kills, each tallying multiple points to keep the score neck-and-neck.

Chaminade responded offensively, while their defense stepped up with a total of 22 digs in this set alone.

The Sunbirds edged ahead, boosted by timely blocks from Girnius and Elliott.

In the final points, Makayla Smith stepped up with a powerful kill, allowing FPU to narrowly clinch the set 25-23 and take a 2-1 lead in the match.

The Silverswords regrouped and took control right from the start, building an early lead with aggressive serving and dominating at the net. 

Fresno Pacific struggled with hitting errors, finishing the set with a hitting percentage of -0.152, recording more errors than kills.

Chaminade's defense locked down any attempts from FPU to stage a comeback.

A string of errors from FPU allowed Chaminade to build momentum and close out the set decisively at 25-9, forcing a fifth set.

The fifth set saw both teams fighting for control.

Elliott and Gilcrest recorded early kills, but Chaminade's consistent offensive play kept them slightly ahead.  

The Sunbirds managed to tie the score at 10-10 after a key kill from Smith.

The tie didn't last long as the Silverswords recorded kills in quick succession along with a crucial block ending the Sunbirds hopes.

Chaminade clinched the set 15-11, and the match 3-2.

The Sunbirds will head to Hilo for their final match in Hawai'i against the University of Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans Monday at 10pm.
 

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