FRESNO, Calif. - Continuing their incredible, season-long win streak, the undefeated FPU women's volleyball team swept past Menlo College with scores of 25-13, 25-15, and 25-18. The Sunbirds have officially captured their fourteenth straight win, garnering attention on the national level, and have collected nine sweeps over the course of the season. Graduate setter Mikayla Weiss was instrumental for the 'Birds, earning her first triple-double against the visiting Oaks.

Fresno Pacific opened the match with a strong performance, edging out Menlo 25-13 in the first set. Cambria Waites kicked things off with many key kills, a notable one at 1-1 from a Weiss assist. The Sunbirds built momentum midway through, with Makayla Smith and Madelyn Feramisco each recording multiple successful attacks. Weiss also stood out, not only assisting on several plays but also delivering kills at critical junctures. Menlo struggled with several service errors, which hindered their ability to close the gap. The set concluded with the Sunbirds capitalizing on an Oak attack error for the decisive point.

The 'Birds capitalized on a series of Menlo errors to secure a 25-15 victory in the second set. They pulled ahead with an early 3-0 run, highlighted by a block from Itzel Aguayo, taking advantage of two attack errors from Menlo. Rachel Plantinga contributed significantly with back-to-back service aces, extending the lead to 8-5. Weiss was pivotal with orchestrating the offense, contributing to kills made by middles Aguayo and Geneva Elliott. The set concluded with a block by Yajaira Gahagan on an outside attack, sealing the set for the Sunbirds.

FPU volleyball continued to show their dominance, ending it all with a 25-18 score. Several Sunbirds stepped onto the court and made things happen for FPU, specifically Gahagan, Addison McKarcher, Malia Edwardson, and Julia Nicolet. Weiss delivered a strong performance, contributing multiple assists, including a sequence that led to two consecutive kills from Elliott, which extended the lead to 5-1. Despite Menlo's last ditch efforts, the Sunbirds maintained control. Elliott was pivotal, securing the final point, capping off the set with a seven-point margin.

Weiss stood out for the Sunbirds with 10 kills and a .667 hitting percentage, while also contributing 26 assists and 10 digs to earn her first triple-double of the season. Elliott matched Weiss with 10 kills and added three block assists, resulting in a total of 11.5 points. Devyn Castaneda recorded 10 digs and distributed four assists in a solid defensive effort. Feramisco posted a .545 hitting percentage, securing six kills and six digs over three sets.

The Sunbirds hold an undefeated overall record of 14-0 and a 2-0 record in PacWest play. The 'Birds are receiving votes for the AVCA national rankings, and after their thrilling victory over No. 5 Point Loma Nazerene University on Monday, FPU may break into the top 25 come next week.

NEXT UP: The PacWest Team of the Week hits the road to take on Jessup on Saturday, October 11th at 7 pm.

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