AZUSA, Calif. - It was a five set battle Saturday afternoon in the final game of the season as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds came away victorious with a 3-2 win over the Azusa Pacific Cougars to secure third place in the PacWest conference standings.
"This match meant more to us than probably any other," said head coach
Kelsee Montagna. "For us it was not only to solidify and EARN a third place finish but it was a way to show and prove to all how much we as a team and program have grown over the past year."
The first set showcased intense competition, with both teams fighting point for point through 19 ties and eight lead changes. The Sunbirds started strong, as Madison Girnius and Mia Gilcrest delivered early kills with setter Cambria Waites distributing the ball effectively. Azusa Pacific countered with precision attacks, forcing Fresno to adjust their defensive setup.
Key moments included a service ace by McKenna Hughes that tied the score at 18-18, followed by a clutch block from Geneva Elliott and Girnius. However, late in the set, the Cougars capitalized on the 'Birds' errors and surged ahead with a pair of decisive kills, ultimately taking the set 25-23.
In the second set, the Sunbirds started with a balanced offense, as Elliott and Girnius combined for blocks that stifled the Cougar's attack. Gilcrest was unstoppable, leading with six kills in the set.
Azusa Pacific struggled with seven attack errors, which gave Fresno Pacific crucial opportunities to maintain the lead. Late in the set, Gilcrest's relentless attacks and a perfectly timed block by Elliott sealed the deal for the 'Birds. Gilcrest's service ace secured the set at 25-21.
The Sunbirds dominated the third set, showcasing their most efficient play of the match. Claire Corippo's stellar serving, including three consecutive aces, disrupted Azusa Pacific's rhythm early on. Gilcrest and Makayla Smith capitalized on the momentum, delivering powerful kills and contributing to a 9-3 run.
Azusa Pacific struggled to find consistency, committing six errors in attack. Elliott and Girnius' blocks further dampened Azusa's comeback efforts. Gilcrest finished the set with a thunderous kill, giving the Sunbirds a commanding 25-15 third set win.
Azusa Pacific regrouped and came out firing in the fourth set. Tow Cougars combined for an onslaught of eight kills and the Cougars also displayed strong serving, with two aces.
Fresno Pacific struggled with errors, committing eight in attack and one on serve, which allowed Azusa Pacific to build an insurmountable lead. The Cougars scored two points with back-to-back kills, forcing a fifth set with a 25-13 victory.
In the fifth set, the Sunbirds started out hot. Elliott and Girnius delivered crucial early kills, while Gilcrest added two more to her match total. Azusa Pacific kept the score close with powerful attacks, but the 'Birds' defense held firm.
A pivotal block from Elliott and Girnius at 13-11 shifted momentum to the Sunbirds, followed by a clean kill from Gilcrest to bring up match point. Elliott sealed the victory with a well-placed attack, giving the Sunbirds the final set, 15-12, and the match.
The win secured the Sunbirds 3rd place finish in the PacWest Conference standings, way out performing their preseason predicted 9th place finish.
"Each and every player on this team comes in every day with a smile on their face and gets to work," said Montagna. "We knew from the very beginning we had a very special group, their love for one another, the sport, and God, is truly something remarkable to be a part of and witness." "They deserve this and we are so proud of them."
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