WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University overcame a pair of one-set deficits and emerged as the victor in a non-conference tussle against the Eckerd College volleyball program on Wednesday night, 3-2 (23-25, 27-25, 15-25, 25-18, 15-10).
The surging Sailfish (15-2 overall) were led offensively by a match-high 25 kills from Mariela Quesada.
Quesada added 13 digs while teammate Faith Rohn chipped in 17 kills and 15 digs.
Prior to facing the Tritons, PBA had reeled off 10 consecutive decisions by sweep and received votes in the latest AVCA Top-25 Coaches Poll.
After picking up a pair of back-to-back Sunshine State Conference victories last week, the Tritons (8-5, 2-0 SSC) fell just short in extending its win streak to three straight.
It turned out to be a 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' type of evening in Rubin Arena for Eckerd, who dominated the third set and persevered to break a 23-23 tie in the opening frame.
But despite trailing after the conclusion of the first and third sets, Palm Beach Atlantic managed to claw back against Eckerd and force a fifth and final set, where momentum ultimately carried through.
The Tritons ended up with a better attacking percentage than their opponent and had a 10-4 blocking advantage.
The Sailfish hit .500 in the final set, connecting for 10 kills on 18 swings. Palm Beach Atlantic managed to break open an 8-8 tie with a 4-0 run that proved to be a decisive blow.
Sophomore
Ali McAlvany had a team-high 20 kills with 11 digs, senior middle
Alex Laton added 13 while junior
Lindsay Biggs and senior
Taylor Whaley each chipped in nine.
Junior libero
Kaleigh Humphrey was credited with 21 digs on the defensive end. Reigning SSC Defensive Player of the Week,
Olivia Fraser, recorded seven more blocks against the PBA front line.
The Tritons will be back in action on Friday evening, hosting Saint Leo University at the McArthur Center. Live stats and video/audio will be streamed for the match which gets underway at 7 p.m.
