SIOUX CITY, Iowa --- Biola advanced to the NAIA Quarterfinals for the 10th time in 11 all-time trips to the National Tournament, defeating GSAC rival Fresno Pacific University in a thrilling 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 13-25, 15-11 match in an elimination match at the 2011 NAIA National Championships on Friday morning at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Eagles (27-12) advance to the NAIA Quarterfinals where they face off against No. 3 Lee University (Tenn.) at 8:00 p.m. CT (6:00 p.m. PT). The Sunbirds (17-13)--the four-time defending NAIA National Champions--lose an elimination match for the first time in five tournament appearances. It was also their final loss as an NAIA member as Fresno Pacific moves to the NCAA next season.

Christine Douglas had a match-high 20 kills and hit .378 to pace the Biola (27-12) attack. Sarah McAtee added 13 kills and a .345 attack percentage for the Eagles while Martina Gregusova led Fresno Pacific with 15 kills.

The Sunbirds rallied back from a 2-1 deficit with a dominating performance in the fourth set, winning 25-13 by recording 13 kills with no errors and posting a .481 attack percentage. However, Biola opened the fifth set with a 5-1 lead and after Fresno Pacific closed the gap to one, rolled off a 7-2 run to take a commanding 12-6 lead.

Biola held match point a bit later at 14-8 before Fresno Pacific made things interesting with a three-point run. However, the Eagles were able to close out the match with a tip kill by McAtee for the win.