FRESNO, Calif.- It was a comeback victory for the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds who rallied from a set down to sweep the next three taking a 3-1 victory over the Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans in their last contest on the islands. 

Hilo started the match strong, quickly setting a dominant pace.

Key kills from the Vulcans kept the Sunbird blockers off-balance.

Hilo's attack efficiency was exceptional, hitting .552 with 18 kills and only two errors.

The 'Birds, however, struggled to respond; they committed five attack errors, which stymied their ability to build any significant runs.

Hilo capitalized on FPU's errors, scoring multiple points off blocking plays and well-timed service aces.

Madison Girnius and Makayla Smith each contributed a few kills, but it wasn't enough to counteract Hilo's offense.

Hilo finished the set decisively at 25-11.

Determined to recover, FPU came into the second set with more focus and energy.

Geneva Elliott and Claire Corippo led a strong offensive start, combining for multiple early kills that helped FPU to a 4-0 lead, bolstered by a service ace from Smith.

Hilo responded with some timely kills, but struggled to maintain their rhythm due to three consecutive reception errors.

The Sunbirds' serving was much improved, with five aces in the set disrupting the Vulcans formations and forcing errors.

The standout defensive plays from Girnius and McKenna Hughes, who added critical digs, kept FPU's momentum going.

Hilo's hitting percentage dropped to .103, showing a clear contrast from their first-set performance.

The 'Birds maintained control through the final rallies, closing out the set 25-19 and evening the match at 1-1.

The third set was a nail-biter with fourteen ties and several lead changes. 

Mia Gilcrest and Girnius made impactful plays at the net, each notching multiple kills that kept FPU close as Hilo pressed with well-executed attacks.

With the score tied at 10-10,  the 'Birds executed a pivotal four-point run featuring a block by Girnius and a service ace by Corippo.

The Vulcans responded, tying the score at 20-20.

As both teams traded points, Hilo reached set point first at 24-23, but a timely kill from Gilcrest and a subsequent block by Elliott and Girnius shifted the momentum, allowing the 'Birds to clinch the set 26-24, and take a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth set, the 'Birds aimed to seal the victory, but the Vulcans fought hard to extend the match.

Hilo took an early lead with a pair of consecutive kills and an ace, putting them up 5-2.

The 'Birds resilience showed as they clawed back, with key kills from Smith and Gilcrest narrowing the gap.

Midway through the set, a four-point run from FPU, including two kills from Smith, brought the score to 15-15.

From there, the score remained tight with twelve ties and several lead changes.

The Vulcans kept their offense moving, but Fresno Pacific's defense held strong with crucial blocks from Girnius and Waites.

At 26-26, a block by FPU's Girnius and an attack error from the Vulcans allowed the 'Birds to secure the final two points, winning 28-26 and clinching the match 3-1.

The 'Birds will head home and will head back out on the road again Tuesday for a matchup in Atherton against the Menlo Oaks at 6pm. 

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

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