ATHERTON, Calif. - Another thrilling four-set match went down at the Haynes-Prim Pavilion, in which the No. 15 'Birds swooped back in to win it all 3-1 against Menlo College. The Sunbirds' attack was led by a strong second set, in which they achieved a .300 hitting percentage.

Fresno Pacific initiated the first set with precise coordination, highlighted by Madelyn Feramisco's early kills, which kept the score close at 4-3. The team then embarked on a key sequence with Geneva Elliott and Mikayla Weiss contributing significant plays, drawing level at 8-8. As the set progressed, Makayla Smith emerged with pivotal kills, supported by service aces from both Elliott and libero Devyn Castaneda. This effort enabled the Sunbirds to narrow the deficit to 13-12. A late surge, featuring a string of kills by Smith and contributions from Cambria Waites, propelled the team ahead.

At the end of the second set, the No. 15 'Birds were slowed down by the Oaks. After a phenomenal kill by Elliott, middle Itzel Aguayo and Weiss blocked Menlo's outside to gain the lead, 21-20. Despite long-lasting rallies, the Oaks broke past the Sunbirds momentum to capture three straight points. Coming out of a timeout, a great assist from Weiss to Smith, who killed it down the line, got the Sunbirds back into the game. Soon after, Waites tied it all up for both teams at 23-23, but Menlo forced a timeout after their middle clinched a shot to the deep corner and won the second set on a Sunbird error.

The Sunbirds have only lost nine sets this entire season, which fueled the fire in the third set. Menlo's defense was commendable, but Waites and Aguayo came in clutch with cross court shots and tips down the line. The 'Birds gained a six-point lead at the start of the set, making it 12-6. Weiss had a spectacular performance getting the 'Birds to a 17-9 advantage. On the serving line, Feramisco, Smith, and Waites dished a couple of amazing kills to give the Sunbirds the third set, 25-12.

The No. 15 'Birds responded well in the fourth set. Waites and Aguayo were hungry for another block, sending it straight down to end a lengthy rally. Feramisco didn't take her foot off the gas, capturing multiple kills to keep the momentum alive. Smith bounced a ball off the hardwood to make it 12-9. The Oaks put up a valiant fight, but Smith and Aguayo were strong at the net, blocking a ball on the right side. Menlo crawled its way back into the match, tying it up 21-21. Geneva Elliott's quick thinking on a free ball, gave Weis enough time to get a set to Waites, who buried the ball, gaining the lead 22-21. Elliott's impressive block in the middle captured the last point for FPU, securing the last set 25-23.

Waites has been collecting accolades left and right, hitting her 100th service ace in the recent match against Azusa Pacific and capturing her first triple-double in tonight's match. She tallied 13 kills, 14 assists, and 16 digs overall against the Oaks. Smith led the team with 19 kills and three service aces, finishing with 22.5 points. Weiss directed the offense with 36 assists while contributing 14 digs. Elliott recorded seven kills and two blocks.

The No. 15 'Birds hold an 18-0 overall record and stand at 6-0 in the PacWest conference.

NEXT UP: The Sunbirds are back at home to take on Dominican on Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 pm.

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