FRESNO, Calif. - A close matchup failed to go the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds way Saturday afternoon as they fell in straight sets to the Point Loma Sea Lions 3-0.
The first set was the most tightly contested of the match with 13 tie scores and seven lead changes.
Fresno Pacific came out hot taking an early lead, but the Sea Lions stormed back to tie the match.
Both teams traded point for point, exchanging leads.
Tied at 19-19, the 'Birds strung together three points off kills from
Makayla Smith and
Claire Corippo, but it wasn't enough as they Sea Lions countered with a six point run to take the first set 25-22.
Point Loma kept their momentum going into the second jumping out to an early lead.
Once establishing the lead, the Sunbirds had a hard time recovering, and although they attempted a late rally, Point Loma maintained their lead, winning the set 25-18.
The Sunbirds came out in set three more aggressive taking another early lead.
Point Loma manged to tie the set at 10-10, but the 'Birds found their rhythm scoring four straight points behind kills from
Geneva Elliott and Corripo as well as an ace by Cambira Waites.
The Sunbirds maintained their lead until at 21-21, the Sea Lions pushed back ahead to take the lead.
Fresno Pacific managed to get back within one, but it wasn't enough as the Sea Lions slammed the door taking the third 25-23 and clinching the match 3-0.
Smith led the Sunbirds in kills with 12, her eighth game with ten or more.
Waites was also dominate behind the line, securing five service aces, a career high.
Fresno Pacific will continue their seven game homestand Thursday at 6pm as they welcome Hawaii Pacific.
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