BOX SCORE

FRESNO --- Fresh off one of its biggest wins in recent history, No. 2-ranked Biola was unable to pull off its second-straight upset, falling 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 25-12 to No. 1 Fresno Pacific on Tuesday night in Fresno.

Earlier in the day, the Eagles (24-3, 14-3 GSAC) moved up to No. 2 in the NAIA rankings–the highest ranking in school history–after an impressive five-game win over then No. 2-Concordia on Saturday. However, the Sunbirds (26-0, 17-0 GSAC) did not appear too impressed and dispatched of Biola with little trouble, earning at least a share of their ninth-straight GSAC title.

The Eagles got off to a slow start, falling in the first two sets by equal 25-16 scores and finding it hard to break through the tough Fresno Pacific defense.

In the third set, though, Biola broke through, jumping out to a quick 14-6 lead. The Eagles would stretch the lead to 23-15 before a late rally by the Sunbirds closed the gap leading to a more respectable 25-22 score.

But Fresno Pacific dashed any upset hopes in the fourth set, opening the set with a 10-2 run and cruising to a 25-12 win thanks to a remarkable .500 attack percentage in the game.

The Eagles were led by senior outside hitter Meghan Warkentin, who recorded 13 kills and added 12 digs in her final collegiate match in her hometown of Fresno. Senior outside hitter Kelsey Mitchell added 10 kills to pace Biola.

Fresno Pacific was led by Thais Julio's 16 kills with KeKe Wang adding 11 kills and eight blocks.

Biola nearly pulled off an impressive upset over Fresno Pacific earlier in the season, falling in a five-game thriller to the Sunbirds in La Mirada in late September.

Biola returns to action on Saturday (Nov. 8) to take on The Master's College at 7:00 p.m. in Chase Gymnasium. The match will serve as the next-to-last home match of the season with just three regular-season contests remaining.

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