HONOLULU, Hawaii - The Fresno Pacific volleyball team flew into Hawaii for the 2025 PacWest Championships on Thursday afternoon, ultimately defeating tournament host Chaminade in four sets, 25-14, 23-25, 25-21, and 25-12. The semifinal match win secured the No. 10 'Birds spot in the Championship game on Saturday against No. 6 Point Loma.

"This is what we came for and what we have prepared for all season - The final match of the PacWest Championship," said PacWest Coach of the Year Kelsee Montagna. "We have a little chip on our shoulder going into this match. We need to live in the moment. Respond quickly to any adversity and play our game from start to finish."

Fresno Pacific opened the first set with a strong showing, highlighted by middle Geneva Elliott's early kill assisted by Mikayla Weiss, setting the tone for their offensive momentum. The Blue and Orange capitalized on Chaminade's attack errors and service errors, extending their lead with contributions from Cambria Waites and Madelyn Feramisco. Weiss continued to facilitate effectively, assisting on key kills that propelled the team forward. Chaminade struggled to close the gap as Waites closed out the first set,swinging hard into the block to tool the Silverswords awaiting hands, making it 25-14.

Set two started with an early kill from Feramisco, followed by an overpass kill by Elliott, who smashed it back down at the Silverswords' feet. Chaminade kept pace with Fresno Pacific for a few points until a huge block by Elliott and Feramisco, roofed the Silverswords' right side to gain a two-point lead. The Silverswords continued battling and finding ways to keep the ball alive, 10-10. FPU's senior middle and First Team All-PacWest selection Elliott returned at the net with another block, contributing to her impressive nine blocks overall. Unfortunately, Chaminade had their own block party, securing a 11-13 lead over the Sunbirds. The No. 10 'Birds responded thanks to a well-placed tip by Itzel Aguayo in the far right corner, bringing it to 13-17. Strong performances from Feramisco and Waites allowed FPU to close the gap as the game progressed. It a brilliant act of precision, Libero Devyn Castaneda successfully brought the 'Birds back with two service aces in a row, followed by an Elliott kill, to make it 18-19. However, Chaminade won the set 23-24 after some points were reversed in their favor.

The set saw several lead changes, with crucial contributions from Smith and Itzel Aguayo helping Fresno Pacific maintain momentum. A late surge, highlighted by a service ace from Smith, pushed the Sunbirds ahead 21-19. Fresno Pacific capitalized on errors by Chaminade, closing it all with a block by Elliott to claim the third set 25-21.

In the final set, Fresno Pacific extended their lead with a series of successful kills from Feramisco and Elliott, both assisted by Weiss, widening the gap to 10-5. The team maintained control throughout the set, with Weiss contributing multiple assists that facilitated kills by Waites and Smith, pushing the score to 17-9. The Sunbirds sealed the set with a decisive 25-12 victory, marked by effective blocking from Feramisco and Elliott, and consistent scoring from Waites. This set concluded the match, with Fresno Pacific securing the win.

Weiss recorded 34 assists and added 12 digs, contributing significantly to the team's defensive and offensive efforts. Elliott posted a remarkable nine total blocks, while also achieving a hitting percentage of .412 with nine kills. Waites led the team with 16 points, registering 12 kills and three aces. Smith was effective from the service line, delivering four aces in the match.

NEXT UP: The 'Birds are advancing to Friday's final against No. 6 Point Loma for an automatic qualifying berth in the NCAA Tournament.

For more information on the PacWest Tournament, click here for the PacWest Volleyball Championship Tournament Central.

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