FRESNO, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine women's volleyball team faced a tough road test against No. 5 Fresno Pacific from the CCAA. The Golden Eagles competed hard throughout the three set match but the Sunbirds ultimately secured the sweep 25-18, 25-23, 25-22.
Emma Wegleitner led the way offensively for CUI recording a team-high 11 kills while helping anchor the team's attack. Freshman
Livia Eyre also made an impact on both sides of the ball. She finished with five kills and added three assists, one service ace and six digs.
Kayden Croy and
Delaney Gregg provided additional firepower at the net. Croy recorded eight kills and Gregg finished with five kills and defensively three block assists.
Sarah Guglielmana chipped in four kills, two block assists.
Nevada Knowles provided a strong defensive and serving contribution, finishing with two kills and recorded 27 assists, one ace, three block assists and five digs.
Halen Kiefer wore the libero jersey and recorded another 14 dig match across three sets tying her season-high against Westmont from earlier in the week.
The Sunbirds steadily chipped away at the opening set stringing together small scoring runs while holding CUI primarily to side-out points. Fresno Pacific went on to win the first set with a score 25-18.
Eyre came out firing in the second set behind the back line building an early lead before the Sunbirds came back. The momentum swung back and forth as both teams traded points setting up a thrilling finish and Fresno Pacific ultimately edged out the 25-23 set victory.
With Fresno Pacific sitting at match point in the third
Leah Hernandez stepped up at the service line and sparked an impressive five-point run for the Green and Gold. Her serving helped CUI close the gap and keep the pressure on the Sunbirds. Fresno Pacific eventually closed out the set 25-22 with a kill.
The Golden Eagles will be back in the CU Arena for three games next week as they take on the PacWest teams from Hawai'i. They will start with Hawai'i Hilo on Wednesday Sept. 16 with a 6 p.m. start time.
To see the full CUI women's volleyball schedule click
HERE.
