VOLLEYBALL GAMEDAY: Tritons Host Nova Southeastern, No. 12 Palm Beach Atlantic Over Weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Eckerd volleyball team looks to stay in the hunt for a Sunshine State Conference championship with a pair of home matches this weekend, hosting Nova Southeastern on Friday at 7:00 PM and No. 12 Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday at 4:00 PM.

MATCH 22: Eckerd (14-7, 6-3 SSC) vs. Nova Southeastern (11-11, 3-6 SSC) | 7:00 PM | McArthur Center
MATCH 23: Eckerd vs. No. 12 Palm Beach Atlantic (19-3) | 4:00 PM | McArthur Center
COVERAGE: Stats | Video

LAST TIME OUT: The Tritons edged NSU in a five-setter in Fort Lauderdale on September 24.  Baker led EC with 16 kills and seven blocks while Sarah Johnshoy tallied 12 kills.  Eckerd wasn't as fortunate in its first meeting with PBAU as the Sailfish swept the Tritons (25-16, 25-11, 25-16).  Ec hit just .086 in that match while Palm Beach Atlantic hit .306.

ABOUT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN: The Sharks enter tonight's match on a three-match skid, all in conference play.  Denvyr Tyler-Palmer is the team's go-to hitter, averaging 3.66 kills per set.  Jessica Ronyak (3.10 kills/set) and Tashalyn Begon (2.43 kills/set) add balance to the attack.  As a team, Nova ranks sixth in conference in hitting percentage (.195) but is dangerous at the service line ranking first in total aces with 160.

ABOUT PALM BEACH ATLANTIC: After dropping their first three contests of the season, the Sailfish have rolled off 19 straight wins entering the weekend.  They can make it 20 in a row on Friday when they visit No. 24 Florida Southern before coming to Eckerd on Saturday.  Ally Rohn leads the team with 3.49 kills per set while Sarah Ragland is one of the top blockers in the nation, recording 152 already this season.

FIGHTING FOR FIRST: Eckerd enters the weekend in a three-way tie for second place in the SSC standings, one match behind Saint Leo.  Of the four teams in the race, only Florida Southern plays two conference matches this weekend giving the Mocs a chance to move into sole possession of first place by the end of the week.  A win on Friday for Eckerd would keep the Tritons in good position to continue contending for a conference title.