SAN DIEGO, Calif. -  On Saturday, the stage was set for a familiar rivalry as No. 8 Fresno Pacific met No. 9 Point Loma for the fourth time this season, but this time a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight was on the line. The Sunbirds poured everything into the four-set battle (17–25, 25–17, 16–25, 18–25), but the Sea Lions ultimately secured the West Region title in the evening match. Even though the final score didn't fall their way, it marked the end of one of the most inspiring seasons in program history for the 'Birds. A historical season where FPU rose above adversity, rewrote expectations, and laid a powerful foundation for years to come.

In the first set, nerves initially got the best of the Sunbirds as the Sea Lions pushed ahead 10-4. Slowly but surely, the 'Birds reconnected and displayed the infectious team bond they have showcased all season long, holding their ground and fighting their way back into the match. Impressive service aces by Makayla Smith and strong contributions at the net from Cambria Waites and Itzel Aguayo brought the fire back into the Sunbirds as they headed into set number two.

The 'Birds gained momentum in the second set, thanks to multiple attack errors by Point Loma and dual kills by senior Geneva Elliott, giving FPU a 7-5 lead. Waites and Itzel Aguayo were pivotal during this stretch, contributing a strong blocking performance that shifted the momentum. Graduate setter Mikayla Weiss played a crucial role later in the set, delivering a service ace and assisting on several key plays, which helped the Sunbirds extend their lead further. The set ended with Fresno Pacific securing a 25-17 victory over PLNU to tie it up one to one.

The Sea Lions secured the upper hand in the third set, effectively keeping the Sunbirds at a respectful distance. Impressive backrow saves by libero Devyn Castaneda and Rachel Plantinga kept the ball alive for the 'Birds during several rallies, but PLNU managed to win the third, 16-25.

Fresno Pacific opened the fourth set with a strong start, highlighted by Elliott's kill assisted by Weiss, followed by a service ace from Smith, giving them an early 2-0 lead. Despite this momentum, the Sea Lions responded with a run to shift the lead, eventually moving ahead 5-4. FPU kept close, with Waites and Aguayo contributing crucial kills, but the Sea Lions extended their lead to 13-9. The Sunbirds fought back with Smith and Madelyn Feramisco securing points through big swings, but Point Loma's consistent attacking and effective defense kept them ahead. As the set progressed, the Blue and Orange narrowed the gap with a series of service aces by Devyn Castaneda, bringing the score to 22-17. However, Point Loma closed out the set and the match, with a tip over the block by returning PLNU player Nua, securing the set 25-18.

Overall, Smith brought the momentum in the match, finding her way through the block with 10 kills. Weiss recorded five total blocks and added 24 assists and 10 digs, contributing significantly to Fresno Pacific's defensive effort. Elliott also stood out with six total blocks and five kills, aiding both offensively and defensively. Waites led the team with 19 digs and added eight kills, showcasing her versatility and passion on the court. Libero Castaneda contributed with 25 digs, providing stability in the backcourt and persistence during the toughest of times. Waites, Castaneda, and Weiss were all selected to the All-West Region Tournament team for their combined performances over the course of the three matches (WWU, CWU, and PLNU).
 
The Sunbirds ended the entire season 27-2 and finished 11-1 in PacWest conference play. The 2025 team truly put Fresno Pacific on the map by earning their first ever national ranking since 2016, breaking into the AVCA Top 10, maintaining a 23 game-winning streak, and claiming their first-ever PacWest Tournament title. The FPU volleyball team racked up plenty of postseason awards, including PacWest Setter of the Year, PacWest Co-Freshman of the Year, a trio of All-PacWest Tournament and First Team All-Pacwest selections, a sole Second Team All-PacWest honor, three student-athletes named AVCA All-Region selections, and three additional All-West Region Tournament Team honorees. Not to mention that four-year Sunbird Elliott was recognized on the national level as a result of her consistent hitting percentage throughout the season.

To top it all off, the 'Birds made their first-ever appearance at the NCAA West Regional tournament. The volleyball team was seeded third of eight west region teams, and defeated Western Washington and Central Washington to make it to the championship game for the first time in program history.

"As heartbreaking as last night was, we have a lot that we accomplished and to be proud of," said second-year head coach Kelsee Montagna. "This season was a stepping stone for what FPU volleyball is all about. The record, the awards, the championships, are all things to be proud of but what I am most proud of is who they are. Their character, their ambition; true servant leaders of Christ. This team is something special, and they always will be. They are such an inspiration to the community, to young players around the valley, and to me. I cannot wait to see what is in store for our four seniors in their futures, and for what is in the horizon for this program."

This team was truly something special - a group that loved each other and loved the team over everything. The future is bright for Fresno Pacific volleyball in the hands of Coach Montagna, who rightfully earned both the PacWest Conference and AVCA West Region Coach of the Year monikers. This season, the 'Birds were named PacWest Team of the Week six times (three times in a row) despite the preseason prediction that the team would finish fifth in the conference. In her two seasons, Montagna has turned a 13-16 program into a NCAA contender. Now, as the program prepares to transition to the CCAA Conference, the question is not whether they'll be able to sustain this momentum... but rather who will be able to slow them down.

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