WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- Welcoming in a large Rubin Arena crowd for the final home match of the 2008 season on Wednesday evening, the Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball team fought with heart and pride but were unable to take down Embry-Riddle University as the Eagles came away with a 3-1 victory.

The Eagles (23-3) jumped ahead of the Fish (11-19) with back-to-back strong performances in the opening two sets with sound defense while also taking advantage of the Sailfish early mistakes. In somewhat dominating fashion, the Eagles came away with 25-14 and 25-20 victories in games one and two respectively.

In set number three it would be the Fish who would dominate as they earned a 25-20 victory behind a .182 hitting percentage and some improved play at the net.

After jumping ahead as much as 14-7, the Fish allowed the Eagles to force their way back into the match. Embry-Riddle’s effort down the stretch would be to much as they earned the 3-1 match victory with a 25-22 game four win.

After missing the past few weeks of action after an injury to both her ankle and knee, PBA senior middle-blocker Brittany Erickson put forth an inspiring effort as she came away with a match-high 15 kills. The La Mesa, California native closed out her fine PBA career with an overall .242 hitting percentage for the match.

Joining Erickson in the starting lineup for the final time in the Rubin Arena were senior teammates Emily Ryerson, Chrissy Gulden, and Beth DeMund.

One of the best all-around players on the court for the Fish this season, Ryerson once again turned in a fabulous performance as she finished the night with 42 assists and 16 digs. Fourth all-time in career assists at PBA, Ryerson will be one of the bigger losses for the Fish to replace in the off-season.

Gulden and DeMund both returned to the Fish this season after Gulden missed all of last season with an injury and DeMund stepping away from the program for a few seasons. In much the same situation as Erickson, Gulden played through much pain on Wednesday evening in an effort to lead her team to victory. She produced five kills on the night while also chipping in two block assists. DeMund, a product of Merritt Island Christian who is known best for her defense, earned the start in her final home game as well.

Leading the defensive charge for PBA on the night is their lone junior on the squad, Jennifer Eldridge. A local product of Dwyer High School, Eldridge registered a season-high 20 digs on the night. Freshman Jessica Way also reached double-figures in digs with 12 digs.

Savannah Trakes led Embry-Riddle up front as she totaled 11 kills while also adding in 13 digs from the back-row. Julia Frassetto tallied 20 digs while middle-blocker Corey Dobridnia proved dominant at times at the net as she collected six total blocks (two solo, four assists).

The Fish will close out their season this Saturday as they travel to Miami Shores, Florida for a matchup with Barry University at 7 pm on Friday, November 7th.

Special thanks goes out to each of the senior’s families that were able and willing to make the trip to West Palm Beach tonight to honor and recognize these four outstanding young ladies.