Women's Volleyball
11/6/2007 - Royals Take One from #1 Sunbirds
Fullerton, CA- On Tuesday, the Royals finished off their 2007 home schedule by taking on the NAIA's #1 team- the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds. The Royals managed to pull out a win in game 3 to force a game 4.
Sophomore Jillian Lane, back in the lineup after missing last Thursday's match against Concordia due to illness, lead the Royals with 18 kills and 14 digs. That was her 16th double-double of the season. Sophomore Amanda Elliott knocked down 10 kills.
The Royals (6-18, 3-16 GSAC) kept the match close by cranking out solid defense all night. They finished with 11 team blocks (tying their second highest blocking output of the season). Freshman Kelsi McAleese lead the charge with 3 solo blocks.
Though both teams finished with 5 aces, they both also had some trouble serving at times as the two teams combined for 25 service errors (Hope-12, FPU- 13). On more than occasion, one service error would be immediately followed by another service error by the other team.
The Sunbirds (27-1, 17-1 GSAC) were led by the duel attack of Fabiana Leomil and Marin Canaday. Leomil finished with a game high 24 kills to along with 20 digs. Canaday also made her presence known with 19 kills.
Fresno Pacific showed off their depth after their setter Shu Liu rolled an ankle early in the first game and was unable to return. However, their offense did not skip a beat as backup setter, Tarin Tartaglia, picked up 59 assists.
The Royals finish out their season on the road this Saturday at The Master's College in Santa Clarita. The Mustangs will try to even up the season series after the Royals defeated them earlier this season inside the Darling Pavilion (3-1). First serve is scheduled for 7:00 pm.