ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Eckerd volleyball team staged a late rally against the visiting Eagles, taking the pivotal third set, 32-30, but ultimately fell to Embry-Riddle in four sets Saturday night at the McArthur Center.
The Tritons and Eagles began the match trading points en route to a 15-14 score. ERAU used a 10-5 run to control the first set, 25-19. The Eagles utilized early momentum in the second set to jump out to a quick 15-9 lead. However, Eckerd responded with a 12-7 run to pull within one at 22-21. The Eagles then reeled off three straight points to capture the second set, 25-21.
Eckerd and Embry-Riddle would play a tune of back-and-forth, with neither team able to extend their respective leads by more than three points. Tied 28-28, the Tritons used a kill by Anna Jungjohann, two attack errors by Embry-Riddle, and a kill from Aleksa Curta to capture a thrilling third set win.
Eckerd took an early lead in the fourth set, 12-7. Both teams alternated points for a significant stretch of the final set, with the score tied 24-24 and again, 27-27, before the Eagles rattled off two final points to take the match, 29-27.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: Embry-Riddle 3, Eckerd 1 (19-25, 21-25, 32-30, 29-27)
RECORDS: Eckerd 17-12 (8-10 SSC); Embry-Riddle 24-4 (14-3 SSC)
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Eckerd honored its lone senior, Rachel Wisian, prior to the match.
- Two Tritons registered 10 or more kills: Ranya Mehta (18) and Joelle Coulter (10).
- Krysten Garrison had 30 assists and has registered 30 or more assists in 19 matches this season.
- Aleksa Curta's 14 assists set a career-high.
- Three players logged 10 or more digs: Daniella Russo-Lolas (21), Coulter (14), and Curta (11). Martina Melicherova narrowly missed the mark with eight.
- Coulter posted her 12th double-double of the season.
- Curta earned her first career double-double with 14 assists and 11 digs.
- Melicherova's six kills were a career-high.
UP NEXT
Eckerd returns to action on Friday with a trip to Palm Beach Atlantic at 7:00 PM.
