Folsom, Ca-

The Pirates (5-4, 1-2 Big 8) are off to their best start since 2014. The Pirates are 0-5 against the Falcons, but have won 5 sets in those matches. This is the first they have pushed it to a 5 set match.

The Pirates jumped out to a very early 8-0 lead behind the serving of Denae Finney in set one. Falcons didn't stay down for long and slowly worked their way back tying up the score at 20-20, eventually winning the set 28-26.

Set two saw the same quick start by the Pirates and Finney serve. Finney served to a 6-0 start. The Falcons were able to stop the run but the Pirates kept on the pressure and never let the Falcons charge back. Pirates would win the set 25-19.

Pirates turned in their best hitting percentage of the match in set 4 (9 kills-4 errors-31 attempts, .161%). Despite a strong all-around attack, the Falcons would win, 25-19.

The Pirates knew what was on the line for set four. They never gave up and with strong defense, were able to win 25-22.

Set five went point-for-point between the Pirates and the Falcons. The Falcons went up early to a 3-1 lead, but the Pirates got those 2 points quickly back. After going neck and neck, the Falcons pull ahead, 11-9. Pirates weren't going down without a fight and a setting error gave the ball back to the Pirates. Pirates return the favor with a setting error of their own, score now 12-10 Falcons. Ball then back to the Pirates on another Falcon setting error, 11-12 Falcons. Pirates commit a hitting error, Falcons go up 13-11, Pirates call a time out. Pirates earn another point pushing it to 13-12. Falcons get it right back, and with a block on the outside, win the set, 15-12.

Libero Angel Nguyen turned in a season and team best 34 digs. Finney wasn't far behind with 24 digs. Sara Gonzalez adding to the defense with 5 block assists and 1 solo block. Setter Camrynn Loveall had a season best 29 assists and 2 aces. Gonzalez also led the Pirates offensively with 13 kills. Ambria Scheneringer right behind with a career high 12 kills. Freshman OH Rhiannon Genilla also with a career best 11 kills, while OH Vanessa Quevedo added 10 kills.

UP NEXT: Pirates set sail to Cosumnes River College, 9/28, and San Joaquin Delta College, 9/29, then return home for a rare Saturday match, 9/29 2:00pm.