Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Heavy hitting from the right side by freshman
Ali McAlvany set the tone for a dramatic finish as the Eckerd College volleyball program opened their own hosted tournament with a nail-biting five-set victory over Palm Beach Atlantic University on Friday, 3-2
The Roswell, Ga., native sparked Eckerd's surge down the stretch and totaled a team-high 18 kills on just 30 attempts, good for a staggering .567 attacking percentage.
McAlvany recorded two kills, an assist and assisted a defensive block, among the final five Tritons' points in the decisive frame that featured four ties as Eckerd mounted a rally.
The Tritons (4-1, 0-0 SSC) handed the Sailfish (7-1, 0-0) its first defeat of the season. Palm Beach Atlantic, winners over Millersville University earlier in the afternoon, was just one two unbeatens in the five-team field going into play today.
Alex Laton and Ariana Chinn took their turns at finding holes in the Sailfish defense, each tallying 11 kills on the afternoon. Olivia Fraser added nine kills, including the match's final point.
Setters Bri Smith and Madison Burr set the table for the Tritons' offense with 26 assists apiece. Libero Hallie Ward was credited with 28 digs in the back row.
Sophomore outside hitter Lindsay Biggs put together another all-around game that included seven kills, 12 digs, three service aces, two solo blocks and three assisted rejections.
Eckerd came out of the gates strong, but Palm Beach Atlantic negated the Tritons in the second set, never trailing after a 2-2 tie early on.
Both teams continued to trade blows with the Tritons prevailing in the third set before ceding to Palm Beach Atlantic in the fourth frame.
Maria Quesada led the Sailfish with 22 kills while lefty Christina Alessi contributed 11.
Eckerd is in action for two matches on Saturday to continue play at the Eckerd Classic. The Tritons will face UNC-Pembroke at 5:15 p.m. and Millersville University in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m. An all-tournament team will be tabulated by the coaches following the conclusion of tomorrow's action.
Eckerd College Classic Day One Results
Palm Beach Atlantic University def. UNC-Pembroke, 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-20)
Barry University def. Millersville University, 3-0 (25-8, 25-21, 25-18)
Eckerd College def. Palm Beach Atlantic University, 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 25-18, 17-25, 15-13)
UNC-Pembroke def. Millersville University, 3-1 (22-25, 27-25, 25-15, 25-13)
