LA MIRADA, Calif. — No. 9 Fresno Pacific volleyball extended its undefeated streak with a 3-1 victory over Biola on Friday night at Chase Gymnasium. The Sunbirds started their weekend off by recording a .272 hitting percentage, highlighted by 18 kills in both the first and third sets. It marked the 23rd straight win for the 'Birds and made them one step closer to facing off against No. 2 Point Loma, their PacWest conference co-champion.

Fresno Pacific began the first set with a balanced attack. Mikayla Weiss set the pace with multiple assists, enabling Sydney Hancock and Cambria Waites to secure a series of kills that pushed the Sunbirds ahead 8-3. The No. 9 'Birds maintained momentum through a sequence of Biola errors and strategic kills from Geneva Elliott and Madelyn Feramisco. The team extended their lead to 15-6 with Weiss continuing to distribute effectively, showcasing her playmaking ability. As the set progressed, a service ace from libero Devyn Castaneda, widened the gap until the 'Birds were victorious 25-15, setting a strong tone for the rest of the match.

The Sunbirds started the second set with Cambria Waites blocking an Eagle attacker for an initial point. The teams exchanged points, keeping the score close. Feramisco contributed significantly, recording multiple kills, including one that tied the game at 5-5. Soon enough, the Sunbirds found a rhythm, with Rachel Plantinga's service ace and a collective defensive effort extending the lead to 19-14. The team maintained momentum through solid serving and blocking thanks to Elliott and Weiss. Despite a late push from Biola, the Sunbirds closed the set with a kill by Waites, securing it 25-21.

The third set proved to be a challenge for the 'Birds. Despite efforts from Weiss and Waites, Biola pushed ahead with a series of successful plays, widening their lead to 6-2. Hancock and Itzel Aguayo responded with key kills, narrowing the gap to 9-7. The Sunbirds continued to battle back, with Elliott and Feramisco contributing crucial points, reducing Biola's lead to 12-11. In the closing moments, Elliott and Waites delivered pivotal kills to level the score at 23-23, but two consecutive attack errors allowed Biola to claim the set 25-23.

Things were back to normal in the fourth as the Sunbirds sailed ahead. Elliott took advantage of an overpass from Waites' swing, dumping it at the Eagles' feet to secure a 14-5 lead. The senior middle sailed the ball to the deep corner to force a timeout, keeping the Eagles at a distance. Feramisco got up on the block and pushed it away with her left hand, which Waites followed with an overpass kill that bounced at the 10-foot line. With Feramisco back to serve, the Sunbirds protected the 11-point lead to the best of their ability, but Biola kept fighting back. The Eagles worked to close the gap, swinging high against the Sunbirds block to gain the advantage. A monumental set from Weiss to awaiting Elliott, who took no time to smash it down at their opponent, sealed the 23^rd straight win for the Sunbirds.

Waites led the team with 16 kills and added five assists, collecting another double-double and 17 points overall. Weiss directed the offense with 43 assists and supported the defense with 14 digs. Elliott posted an efficient performance with 10 kills at an impressive .500 hitting percentage and added four total blocks. Castaneda excelled defensively, recording 17 digs while also serving three aces.

The Sunbirds improved to 23-0 overall and 11-0 in PacWest conference play. The 'Birds officially knocked the Eagles out of postseason play and will advance to conference tournament action in Honolulu, Hawaii next week.

NEXT UP: Its finally time! The No. 9 'Birds face No. 2 Point Loma to determine who wins the regular season conference title. As of tonight, both teams have been named PacWest Co-Champions, but there is still an opportunity to shift things around in San Diego. The thrilling conference match will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 pm.

SUNBIRD SOCIAL 

• X - @fpusunbirds 
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds 

 

---