NAIA No. 17-ranked PLNU lost in straight sets to top-ranked Fresno Pacific Friday night (25-18, 25-18, 25-17). The loss kept alive the Sunbird's long winning streak over the Sea Lions. The last time that PLNU defeated FPU was October 25, 2003.

Fresno Pacific remains perfect on the year with a 22-0 overall record. Not only are they unbeaten, their 11-0 mark in conference keeps them atop the GSAC standings, two and a half games above California Baptist. Meanwhile, the Sea Lions have now dropped three straight conference matches and are in seventh place at 5-6. PLNU is 15-6 overall.

The green and gold now faces some must win contests, including tomorrow (Saturday) when the Sea Lions will be at The Master's for a match that begins at 3:00 pm.

The Sea Lions led only briefly in the opening set but the Sunbirds pulled away late and led by as many as eight points. PLNU made a late charge, however, but lost 25-18. Set two ended up with the same score, but the Sea Lions kept close until FPU rolled off the final three points. The Sunbirds closed out the match with an eight-point set three triumph.

PLNU hit .092 for the match compared to .297 by FPU. The Sunbirds had advantages in kills (35-34), digs (44-39) and blocks (9.5-3). The Sea Lions hurt themselves by making 24 attack errors and 11 service aces to just eight and five, respectively by FPU.

Maddie Dahms led PLNU with nine kills followed by seven apiece from Tabitha Henken and Alyssa Pitkin. Henken and Pitkin each contributed 11 digs with Kylie Morel dishing out 31 assists.

Keke Wang led FPU with nine winners. Martina Gregusova had eight kills and 12 digs.