FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific volleyball swept past Westmont in the conference opener, significantly bumping their ranking in conference and preserving their undefeated record. The Sunbirds dominated over the visiting Warriors with scores of 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 to make a statement and boost their record to 11-0 overall and 1-0 in PacWest play.

"Great win for us!" said head coach Kelsee Montagna. "We knew coming into the match Westmont was going to be GRITTY and make us work point for point. I'm just proud of the way we responded in moments we weren't playing our best. We played the game one point at a time."

Fresno Pacific opened the first set with steady play, exchanging early points with Westmont. Mikayla Weiss facilitated the offense effectively, assisting Madelyn Feramisco and Geneva Elliott to keep the score tight at 6-6. A series of errors from Westmont allowed FPU to build momentum, with lead-scoring freshman Feramisco and libero Devyn Castaneda contributing to a 10-7 lead. Continuing to capitalize on Westmont's mistakes, the Sunbirds extended their advantage to 19-13. Key blocks from Cambria Waites and Elliott further solidified their position. Despite a brief Westmont push, the Sunbirds closed the set with a 25-18 victory, aided by consistent kills from Feramisco and a final point from Waites, who sent a deep shot to the back corner.

The second set opened with a strong showing from Westmont, quickly advancing to a 5-0 lead. However, the Blue and Orange regained momentum with a series of decisive plays, including a kill by middle Elliott and a crucial block by Waites and Itzel Aguayo, narrowing the gap to 6-4. The Sunbirds continued to build momentum, turning a 9-11 deficit into a 16-12 lead through key plays, highlighted by a service ace from Feramisco and a double block by Elliott and Feramisco. A last second, quick adjustment by Aguayo converted itself into an overpass kill for the Sunbirds. The set remained competitive, with Westmont leveling the score to 20-20, but the Sunbirds regained control with a late surge, securing the set 25-22 with dual service aces from Feramisco.

The Sunbirds started the second set off strong with a combined block from Elliott and Feramisco. FPU capitalized on a balanced offensive effort in the third set, with Elliott and Makayla Smith contributing key kills to maintain momentum. Feramisco and Aguayo made significant contributions defensively with crucial blocks, helping the team stay competitive against the Warrior's scoring attempts. The set remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. The Sunbirds managed to break a late 21-21 tie as Weiss facilitated a decisive offensive push and a pivotal kill by Smith, who tipped it short in the right corner, captured the game winner.

Weiss led the Sunbirds' offense with 27 assists and added nine digs. Waites contributed significantly on defense, recording 20 digs and adding eight kills. Elliott was effective at the net, posting six kills and four block assists. Feramisco tallied nine kills along with 13 digs, contributing two service aces as well.

The Sunbirds hold an 11-0 overall record with a 1-0 mark in PacWest play, placing them third in conference behind Chaminade and Point Loma. As mentioned in the latest AVCA national poll, the 'Birds are receiving votes and have a chance at climbing their way to the Top 25. Senior middle blocker Geneva Elliott secured fifth in the nation in hitting percentage.

NEXT UP: The Undefeated 'Birds go toe-to-toe with the Concordia Golden Eagles on Saturday, Oct. 4th for the second conference match of the season. First serve starts at 5 pm in the Special Events Center.