ST. PAUL, Minn. - For the second consecutive match to begin the NCCAA National Tournament, the Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball had to go the distance as they were defeated by The Masters College in Friday’s first match for PBA.

A battle throughout, the Fish got things started in the right direction as they were victorious in game one by a score of 30-27. On the flip side, the Mustangs took game two by the identical 30-27 mark. Game three would also belong to The Masters College as they handed PBA a 30-26 defeat.

Down but not out, the Sailfish forced the decisive game five with a similar 30-26 victory. In the end, the Mustangs concluded the match with a 15-10 victory.

Using only seven players throughout the match, the Sailfish utilized a very balanced attack. They were led by junior Brittany Erickson (La Mesa, Calif.) who tallied 19 kills while also chipping in 14 digs and eight total blocks.

Following close behind Erickson’s total was senior Bia Santos (Sao Paulo, Brazil) who registered 18 kills with 21 digs and seven total blocks (four solo). PBA’s other senior and West Palm Beach native, Ali Mitchell, came through with a solid all-around performance as well with 15 kills, 31 digs, and two blocks while hitting at a .289%.

Seemingly an assists-machine for the Sailfish all season long, junior Emily Ryerson (Winter Springs, Fla.) collected 58 assists while also adding in 17 digs and six total blocks.

Junior Alycia Davenport provided head coach Nicole Carter with a solid spark as well as she collecte eight kills in limited duty.

The Mustangs were led by the incredible duo of Amanda and Rachel Roleder. Amanda Roleder paced the Mustangs attack with 29 kills while Rachel Roleder wasn’t far behind with 27 kills. Libero specialist Leslie Windham tallied 47 defensive digs in the five-game match victory.

PBA takes on Bethel College tonight at approximately 6:00 p.m.