Fullerton, CA- On Friday, Arizona Christian brought their "A" game at the net as they produced 12 blocks versus zero blocks for Hope International.  But the Royals were not deterred as they beat the Firestorm 3-0 (26-24, 27-25, 25-21).  Senior Debbie White delivered six kills and six blocks.

Down early to begin the match, Sophomore Amanda Bakonyi hammered out a kill for the 14-14 tie.  Junior Jackie Stein earned the solo block for a 15-14 edge. After the 15-15 tie, White teamed with Bakonyi and then Senior Alli Lemnitzer for back-to-back blocks and a two point lead.  The Firestorm (12-14, 3-10 GSAC) remained in front until they reached set point.  But the Royals (16-8, 8-5 GSAC) closed out the set with the final four points for the set win.

White was 3-4 without an error (.750) with three blocks in the set.  Bakonyi hit .500 while locking in three kills.

Set two was a back and forth effort that resulted in eight ties and six lead changes.  Behind 22-16, ACU rattled off seven straight points forcing HIU into five hitting errors during that stretch.  Facing an HIU set point, Stein unloaded a kill and Sophomore Delaney Harris unfurled a service ace to create an ACU set point.  However, Hope International once again countered with the last three points.

Lemnitzer was good for three kills in the second set.

The first ten points of the third set resulted in three ties and two lead changes capped by two service aces by White.  On top 16-12, ACU allowed five points and were down 17-16.  Another Stein kill and White/Stein block pushed ACU up 18-17.  HIU used another 5-0 run to take control of the set/match.

White and Stein ended the night with six kills.  Bakonyi was right behind at five kills without an error all evening.  Senior Toria Siemens had a hand in five blocks.  Harris was good for 22 digs.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will try for the upset of Vanguard to push their way into the GSAC playoffs.  First serve in Costa Mesa is set for 5:00 pm.