FRESNO, Calif.- It was a special Senior Night at the Special Events Center as the Sunbirds swept the Academy of Art Urban Knights 3-0 in their final home match of the season. 

Before the match, seniors Amani Abed, Presley Hamilton, Claire Corippo, Mia Gilcrest, Emmalynn Camoirano, McKenna Hughes, and Madison Girnius were joined on the court with family and friends to celebrate their achievements as members of the FPU volleyball team.  They were presented with gifts from their teammates as well as photos, jerseys, and keepsakes to commemorate their careers with the Sunbirds.  

The match began with both teams exchanging points early. Academy of Art took an initial lead with strong kills. However, Fresno Pacific quickly rallied behind the precise setting of Cambria Waites and the aggressive attacks of Girnius and Gilcrest. The Sunbirds capitalized on Urban Knights errors, evening the score at 9-9.

Midway through the set, the Sunbirds found momentum as Makayla Smith and Corippo recorded back-to-back kills, pushing FPU to a 15-12 lead. Academy of Art responded with a block and a kill, leveling the score at 17-17. The closing moments saw tight exchanges, with Gilcrest stepping up to deliver a decisive kill at 24-23. Hughes sealed the set with a service ace, giving Fresno Pacific the narrow win.

The second set was just as competitive as the first, with 13 ties and three lead changes. Academy of Art started strong taking a slight edge early at 7-5.

Fresno Pacific adjusted quickly, with Waites setting up Gilcrest for several kills that tied the game at 10-10. The Sunbirds began to pull away when Hughes delivered consecutive service aces, energizing the home crowd and pushing FPU ahead 17-14. The Urban Knights refused to back down, rallying with kills to tie the score again at 20-20.

In the final stretch, Girnius and Smith took control, delivering crucial kills off Waites' assists. Despite Academy of Art's resilience, their unforced errors in the last few points allowed the Sunbirds to claim the set, with a kill from Girnius clinching it at 25-23.

The Sunbirds came out firing in the third set, quickly establishing dominance. Waites continued her excellent playmaking, feeding Elliott, Corippo, and Gilcrest for early kills that gave Fresno Pacific a commanding 10-5 lead. Academy of Art struggled with errors, which widened the gap.

The 'Birds defense was also stellar in this set, with Amanda Lauer and Gilcrest combining for crucial digs that kept plays alive. The Sunbirds showcased their depth, as Geneva Elliott and Lauer contributed key points. The attack efficiency of .480 in this set highlighted FPU's sharp execution, with Girnius delivering a highlight-reel block on Garcia to extend the lead to 20-12.

Despite the Urban Knights best efforts, including a late kill, the Sunbirds never let up. Waites punctuated her stellar performance with a kill to bring up match point, and Elliott delivered the finishing blow, securing the sweep for Fresno Pacific. 

The Sunbirds will hit the road for their final game of the season against the Azusa Pacific Cougars next Saturday at 1pm.


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