Fresno, Calif. – Stanislaus State volleyball opened the 2025 season on Friday at the Sunbird Classic with two tightly contested matches, highlighted by junior libero Leah Mendoza tying the program's single-match record with 40 digs and junior middle blocker Lauren Hamilton moving into a six-way tie for fifth all-time in single-match blocks (9 total). The Warriors pushed host Fresno Pacific to five sets in the morning before narrowly falling to Westmont in four sets during the afternoon session.

Match 1: Fresno Pacific 3, Stanislaus State 2 (17–25, 25–15, 25–23, 21–25, 15–17)
Set 1 (FPU 25, Stanislaus State 17): Fresno Pacific's strong serving put the Warriors on their heels early, racking up seven aces in the opening frame. Stan State showed flashes defensively but fell behind 25–17.

Set 2 (Stanislaus State 25, FPU 15): The Warriors responded with their sharpest set of the day, hitting .391 with just one error. Maggie Olson and Cambria Waites sparked the attack, while Mendoza steadied the back row to guide Stan State to a convincing 25–15 win.

Set 3 (Stanislaus State 25, FPU 23): In a set with seven ties, Olson and Fallon Freeman chipped in timely kills, while Hamilton anchored the block. Stan State closed strong to edge the Sunbirds, 25–23, and take a 2–1 lead.

Set 4 (FPU 25, Stanislaus State 21): The Sunbirds regrouped and used a late push to pull away 25–21, forcing a deciding set despite Mendoza's relentless defense.

Set 5 (FPU 17, Stanislaus State 15): The Warriors surged ahead 14–12 and had match-point opportunities, but FPU rallied with a 5–1 run to escape 17–15 in the decisive frame.

Warrior Highlights: Olson powered the offense with 19 kills and added 11 digs for a double-double. Mendoza anchored the defense with 40 digs, tying the single-match school record originally set in 2010. Hamilton totaled nine blocks, tying her for fifth on the program's single-match list. Freeman contributed eight kills and three block assists, and Waites added 15 kills and 17 digs. Setter Shaelyn Pruiett directed the offense with 20 assists.

Match 2: Westmont 3, Stanislaus State 1 (25–23, 20–25, 25–22, 29–27)
Set 1 (Westmont 25, Stanislaus State 23): The Warriors matched Westmont point-for-point in a set that featured 10 ties. Isabella Saucedo sparked the attack early, while Hamilton and Lauren Gonzales contributed blocks at the net. The Warriors battled to the wire before dropping the frame, 25–23.

Set 2 (Stanislaus State 25, Westmont 20): Stan State evened the match with one of its cleanest offensive efforts, hitting .344 as a team. Saucedo's swings and the blocking of Malia Tanksley and Hamilton carried the Warriors to a 25–20 win.

Set 3 (Westmont 25, Stanislaus State 22): Defense defined the set, as Stan State tallied six team blocks, including stops from Hamilton and Teagan Irish. Despite the strong net play, Westmont capitalized late to edge the Warriors, 25–22.

Set 4 (Westmont 29, Stanislaus State 27): The final set was a thriller, featuring 16 ties. Saucedo led the way with her 14th kill, while Mendoza dug 19 balls to keep plays alive. The Warriors fought off multiple set points but narrowly fell 29–27 in the extended frame.

Warrior Highlights: Saucedo paced the offense with 14 kills on .344 hitting and added seven digs. Hamilton registered eight blocks at the net, while Tanksley contributed eight kills and five blocks. Mendoza picked up 19 digs, and setters Pruiett and Reagan Wilkerson combined for 41 assists to direct the Warrior attack.

UP NEXT:  Stanislaus State ends the Sunbird Classic with a 2 p.m. match on Saturday, Sept. 6, against Menlo in Fresno. Menlo lost in three sets to Chico State earlier today in Fresno (20-25, 18-25, 23-25).  The Oaks will face UC Merced tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. prior to taking on Stan State.  After tomorrow, the Warriors will continue their season beginning seven-match road trip with four matches at the Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Tournament, Sept. 11-13.