SIOUX CITY, Ia. – Fresno Pacific (35-0) continues to play better as it moves deeper into the national tournament. After clinching a quarterfinal spot in the NAIA Championship tournament after Wednesday's (Dec. 2) win over Point Loma Nazarene, the Sunbirds were guaranteed the No. 1 seed in the single-elimination round with Thursday's (Dec. 3) victory over Olivet Nazarene.
The Sunbirds open quarterfinal play on Friday (Dec. 4) against No. 9 Texas at Brownsville.
In claiming its third straight sweep, 25-21, 25-14 and 25-17, Fresno Pacific improved as the match continued. The Sunbirds hit .265, .343 and .462 in each respective set, finishing at .347 with 48 kills on 95 attempts and only 15 errors.
“We played well, and we keep looking better and better as the tournament moves on,” coach Dennis Janzen said. “Consistency will be the key to going all the way [to the championship]. There are a lot of good teams here, and they’re all stepping up their play as well.”
Martina Gregusova and
Tiffany Marinos led the Sunbirds in kills with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.
Lisa Shilling was efficient with 8 kills on 11 attempts and no errors for a .727 hitting percentage.
Mariah Mandelbaum led in digs with 13,
Lauren Albertson had four blocks and
Emily Carroll led with 21 assists.
The Sunbirds will be the No. 1 seed throughout the remaining matches of the tournament. They will open quarterfinal play at 3:45 p.m. (PDT) Friday against Texas at Brownsville.