FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Pacific women's volleyball team opened the Sunbird Classic in style, securing two exciting victories on the first day of play. The 'Birds rallied for a hard-fought five-set win over Stanislaus State to kick off the season, marking their first season-opening victory since 2021. They carried that momentum into the night, sweeping Chico State in straight sets (27-25, 25-21, 25-15) at the Special Events Center.

"What a day! It's great to see everyone in it and ready to battle so early in the season," said head coach Kelsee Montagna. "Stan State is big, and we knew they were going to be physical. I would rather we be challenged right now than not to be. I think the biggest win today is how each player responded. We talk a lot about chemistry on the court and sometimes we need different things in specific moments - so it's great to see so early on that everyone is ready at any given moment."

GAME 1 | Stanislaus State

The first set began with Stanislaus State establishing an early lead with a service ace and a series of blocks to make it a 5-0 advantage. Fresno Pacific responded with a strong sequence, highlighted by Mikayla Weiss assisting Geneva Elliott for a kill that initiated a comeback. Midway through the set, Devyn Castaneda's back-to-back service aces helped level the score at 11-11. The home team maintained their momentum, with offensive weapons Cambria Waites and Geneva Elliott contributing key kills. The Sunbirds took the first set by storm, 25-17.
 
The second set between the Sunbirds and Warriors saw a series of errors and strategic plays that defined the set. Ultimately, Stanislaus State secured the set with a 25-15 comeback.
 
In the third set, Stanislaus State opened with a slight edge, reaching a 2-0 lead early on. The 'Birds responded in kind, first with a service ace from Makayla Smith, leveling the score 5-5. The teams exchanged points frequently, with Fresno State transfer Weiss assisting on several crucial kills to keep the set tightly contested. The Warriors managed to capture the set 25-23, closing it with a kill from Lauren Hamilton.

In the fourth set, Fresno Pacific established an early advantage as returning middle Geneva Elliott and sophomore outside Makayla Smith each executed on their attacks, contributing to a 4-2 lead. Weiss facilitated the offense with numerous assists, contributing to kills from Smith, Elliott, and freshman Madelyn Feramisco. Feramisco was particularly effective for the Sunbirds, recording several kills in her debut. Stanislaus State fought back and delivered consistent kills, closing the gap to 9-7. However, the set concluded with Feramisco securing the final point, sealing a 25-21 set victory for the Sunbirds.

In the nail-biting fifth set, Stanislaus State took an early lead with a 5-1 run. The 'Birds responded with a pair of service aces by Waites, narrowing the gap to 7-6. Both teams traded points in the tightly contested battle. Fueled by determination, Fresno Pacific rallied back with a late surge, highlighted by Makayla Smith's deep line kill to tie the score 15-15. FPU then clinched the set and the match with three consecutive points, including a decisive kill by Weiss.

The Blue and Orange rushed the court to celebrate their first big triumph of the season.

GAME 2 | Chico State

Fresno Pacific University swept Chico State in three straight sets with scores of 27-25, 25-21, 25-15 on Friday night at the Special Events Center. The Sunbirds' offense was highlighted by eight service aces and a .224 hitting percentage, securing their second victory of the season.

The first set between the Sunbirds and the Wildcats was marked by numerous lead changes and intense back-and-forth play. Early on, both teams exchanged points with service errors from both sides keeping the score tight.

In the second set, the Sunbirds started strong with an early 2-0 lead. Waites secured two early kills assisted by Weiss, contributing to the home team's momentum. Two service aces from Devyn Castaneda, turned the tide for the Blue and Orange, making a 10-7 deficit into a 12-10 lead. The teams exchanged points, but the 'Birds maintained their edge, with Waites and graduate outside hitter Sydney Hancock delivering crucial kills to extend the lead.

The Sunbirds claimed the third set against Chico State with a decisive 25-15 victory. Early on, Elliott sparked a 3-point run for the Sunbirds with consecutive service aces, bringing the score to 5-2. Chico State struggled to counter the Sunbirds' momentum and ultimately fell to the Blue and Orange.

NEXT UP: The Sunbirds are bringing the heat to day two of the Sunbird Classic. The Blue and Orange will face off against UC Merced to wrap up tournament play in the Special Events Center. Tune in to the action on Saturday, September 6th at 4:30 pm.

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