SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In the first round of the NCAA West Regionals, Fresno Pacific swept Western Washington University in straight sets, winning 25-17, 25-16, 25-15 at Golden Gymnasium to secure a spot in the semifinals. The Sunbirds posted a .361 hitting percentage, highlighted by 48 total kills and 8 team blocks.

Fresno Pacific opened the match with a strong performance in the first set against Western Washington. First Team All-Region Cambria Waites provided an early spark with three kills, two of which were assisted by Mikayla Weiss, helping the Sunbirds gain momentum. Midway through the set, Devyn Castaneda's consecutive service aces extended the home team's lead to 11-5, and the team capitalized on several attack errors from the visitors. Itzel Aguayo and Makayla Smith each contributed key kills. With Makayla Smith at the serving line, Weiss took advantage of a tight ball to the net and dumped it to the unsuspecting Vikings, bumping the score to 22-14. Despite a brief surge from Western Washington, the Sunbirds maintained control with decisive plays from Smith and Madelyn Feramisco. The set concluded with an insane line kill by Feramisco, ending with a score of 25-17.

The No. 8 'Birds demonstrated resilience in the second set, recapturing their lead after a momentum shift by capitalizing on Western Washington's errors. Geneva secured the first big point for FPU with a solo block at the net. Itzel Aguayo and Weiss held the Vikings at a distance with back-to-back blocks on the outside, boosting them 6-2. Despite a great kill by the Vikings' middle, FPU's PacWest Freshman of the Year responded with a shot to the deep corner, keeping the Vikings at a 2-point deficit. The Vikings didn't slow their attempts to bridge the gap, utilizing tips and roll shots against the Sunbirds' block to climb their way back.

A decisive tip behind Weiss' head caught the Vikings by surprise, giving the 'Birds the advantage. Waites and Weiss were pivotal, with Waites contributing crucial blocks and Weiss setting up multiple kills, including a decisive one to Feramisco, who bounced it down the line again. Waites, the four-year Sunbird, went on a three-point run, swinging through the block and stuffing the outside one-on-one. Western Washington was determined to stay in the set, but FPU remained steadfast. The Sunbirds effectively exploited Western Washington's attack errors, highlighted by Aguayo's block on the outside that she followed with a quick kill to make it 20-15. The Sunbirds ultimately captured the second set, 25-16.

The third set saw a dominant performance from the Blue and Orange as they recovered from initial nerves. Waites contributed significantly, delivering multiple kills, including one at a pivotal moment when the score was tied 3-3, helping to establish and maintain their lead. The Sunbirds capitalized on other errors from Western Washington, extending their advantage with service aces from Castaneda and Malia Edwardson. The set concluded with the Sunbirds winning 25-15, ending the match in their favor.

Waites led the team with 14 kills on 22 swings, achieving a hitting percentage of .545, and added 13 digs. It marked her eleventh double-double of the season. Weiss recorded 37 assists and contributed four block assists, facilitating the offensive efforts. Libero Devyn Castaneda excelled at the service line with four aces, adding 11 digs to her defensive contributions. Middle Aguayo posted a hitting percentage of .778 with seven kills on nine attempts and participated in four blocks.

The Sunbirds had a stellar performance in the first round of NCAA West Regionals, sweeping past No. 15 Western Washington to secure a spot in the semifinals for the first time ever. Not to mention that the Sunbirds officially captured their 26th win of the season and are just getting started at the NCAA West Region Tournament.

NEXT UP: The No. 8 'Birds will compete against Central Washington or Simon Fraser on Friday, December 5th at 4 pm. The winner of the match will advance to the NCAA West Region Championship game on Saturday at 7 pm!

To view the NCAA West Regional Tournament Central, CLICK HERE.

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