Fresno Pacific Athletics

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific (25-0, 14-0 GSAC) finished as strong as they came out firing at the beginning of the match against Vanguard (15-8, 9-5 GSAC).  Even though the Sunbirds struggled in the middle of the match, they came out ahead, winning 25-17, 21-25, 25-15 and 25-18.

The Sunbirds finished with their lowest hitting percentage of the season with a .198 for 44 kills and 19 errors.  However, the Sunbirds also had their second highest blocking night with 16 total blocks to help the Sunbirds pull out the win.

Lisa Shilling led the Sunbirds with 8 of the team’s 16 blocks, and she also put up 6 kills for the match. Martina Gregusova led in kills with 12 kills while also contributing 2 aces, 13 digs and 3 blocks.

Erika Adachi contributed 21 assists for the Sunbirds and Mariah Mandelbaum had 24 digs.

Coach Dennis Janzen commented, “We had an inconsistent effort, but should really give a lot of credit to Vanguard.  They played a great match and fought hard; they are much improved.”

The Sunbirds will continue rolling through the NAIA and the GSAC when they head down to Hope International on Tuesday, October 27.  When Fresno Pacific met up with Hope in Fresno last time, the Sunbirds swept the match.  The first set on Tuesday will begin at 7 p.m.