LAKELAND, Fla.- Hitting the road for the first time this season outside of tournament play, the Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball team was forced to take on one of the more challenging opponents they will face all season with a Wednesday night matchup with Florida Southern College. Despite being without their best player in Brittany Erickson due to injury, the Sailfish managed a competitive match against the Moccasins.

Ranked seventh in the pre-season NCAA Division II polls, the Mocs came away with a 25-17, 25-23, and 25-18 victory against PBA.

Having dropped their past four matches after winning their first four of the season, the Sailfish did show improvement with better hitting percentages and more efficient play near the net than in past games including their recent trip to Fort Lewis College for a tournament last weekend.

Senior Emily Ryerson paced the hitting efforts for the Fish alongside sophomore Elizabeth Fugate as both players tallied five kills each. Ryerson added in 11 assists while Fugate led the team with a .444 hitting percentage. Junior Jennifer Eldridge paced the defensive effort for the Fish with eight digs

Danielle Durham and Danielle Higgnbotham both reached double digits in kills for FSC with Durham accumulating 14 kills while Higgnbotham notched 10 kills in the victory. Elise Burke chipped in 35 assists to give the Mocs a boost from the setter position.

PBA returns to the court next Wednesday as they welcome in rival Nova Southeastern University for a 7 pm showdown at the Rubin Arena.