ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Fresno Pacifc Sunbirds kept their four game winning streak and unbeaten PacWest conference record alive as they defeated the Jessup Warrors 3-2 in a five set battle Thursday evening in Warrior Arena. 

"Warrior Arena was loud and Jessup came to play," remarked Head Coach Kelsee Montagna. 

In set one, the Sunbirds fell behind early, at one point trailing by as much as seven. 

Down 11-4, the 'Birds won ten out of the next fourteen points to bring themselves back within one. 

A string of three straight points behind kills from Cambria Waites and Madison Girnius, a team block from Girnius and Makayla Smith, and a service ace from Mia Gilcrest fueled the 'Birds to take the lead.

Both teams battled back and forth for the lead until tied at 25-25 late in the set, the 'Birds managed to pull away and take the set off a pair of errors on the Warriors.

Jessup rebounded quickly in the second set, taking control with solid attacks and minimizing mistakes. 

Knotted at 11-11, the Warriors took the lead and never looked back taking the 25-17 win, leveling the match at 1-1.

The third set was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging points throughout.

The Sunbirds built an early lead, but Jessup fought back with effective blocks and strong serves.

Fresno Pacific had a chance to close out the set but were unable to capitalize.

Jessup seized the opportunity, winning the set 26-24 and taking a 2-1 lead in the match. 

Set four proved to be another tightly contested set with eight tie scores and three lead changes.

The Sunbirds retook the lead at 11-11 behind a pair of kills from Mia GIicrest and never lost it taking the fourth in dominant fashion 25-17.

It all came down to a deciding fifth set, something the Sunbirds have been familiar with all season. 

Fresno Pacific continued their momentum jumping to an early lead and never relinquishing. 

Kills from Girnius and Gilcrest, a service ace from Smith, and attack errors on the Warriors gave the 'Birds a sizable lead at 10-5.

The Warriors managed to back within five, but it was as close as they would get as the 'Birds closed off the set 15-10 in fashion with a kill from Smith. 

"I''m just so proud of our fight back, it shows true grit every single player is making an impact in their own way for this team," said Montagna. "They show up, compete, make adjustments, and love doing what they do." 

Smith led all 'Birds in kills with 15. 

Girnius proved dominant in the middle coming just behind Smith in kills with 14 and adding seven blocks and an ace to the stat sheet. 

Fresno Pacific will be back home Saturday for their PacWest Home Opener against the Point Loma Sea Lions at 1pm in the Special Events Center.

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