The Biola Eagles hosted No. 1 ranked Fresno Pacific Sunbirds in a thrilling five-game match last Wednesday, handing Fresno their first loss of the season.
With the win in front of a crowd of over 400 fans at Chase Gymnasium, Biola snapped a 21 match losing streak against the Sunbirds dating back to 1997.
Junior outside hitter Maggie McGill was awestruck over the huge win for the Lady Eagles.
“It was amazing, and we are still fired up about it,” McGill said. “It’s a big accomplishment to play together as a unit and beat the number one team.”
While the first two games were split, winning the third game would not come easy for either side. With a six point lead in game three in favor of Biola, Fresno went on a late run pulling within one, but junior outside hitter Meghan Warkentin came through with two clutch kills taking game three 30-28.
Fresno was able to bounce back to take game four, forcing a final game five for the match. After a back and fourth final game, a late kill by junior outside hitter Kelsey Mitchell and the match-clinching kill by Warkentin left the Eagles on top.
Warkentin led the Eagles with 23 kills, and teammate junior outside hitter Jessica Buffum added 19 kills, 13 digs and six blocks. Junior setter Christina Perkins had a season-best 39 assists and 11 digs, while sophomore setter Abbie Wright added 28 assists.
Warkentin explained that each player is a weapon on the team.
“Some teams have just one great player so you learn how to defend them,” she said. “It’s hard to defend us because everyone can put up points. Our opponents key on one person but we can go to multiple people to get the job done.”
With a couple well-deserved days of rest, the Eagles picked up where they left off against The Master’s College on Saturday, Nov. 3.
The women easily disposed of their opponent in a speedy three game sweep, 30-15, 30-21 and 30-27. Junior middle blocker Kristen Peterson had nine blocks in the match along with seven kills. The stellar performance improved the Eagles to 26-5 overall and 13-5 in GSAC play.
The Eagles next match was against arch rival and No. 5 ranked Azusa Pacific on Tuesday night, yet that did not stop them from taking care of business.
Each of the three games was fairly close, 30-27, 30-26 and 30-22, but Biola never trailed at any point during the entire match.
After the victory, Warkentin said things have continued to go smoothly thanks to the coaches.
“Our coaches are awesome; I can’t say enough good things about them.” she said. “This year we are so well-rounded, and our stats are off the charts. We are peaking at just the right time.”
The Eagles next game closes out conference play as they host No. 2 California Baptist University on Nov. 10 at Biola, game time at 7 p.m.
