DAVIE, Fla.- Continuing a heated rivalry, the Palm Beach Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University volleyball teams got together on Wednesday evening for yet another tough contest between the two squads. After splitting their matches last season, the Sharks opened up their first match against PBA this season with a solid 3-1 victory.

Upending the Sailfish 25-12 in the first game, it looked as if Nova Southeastern would run away with the match. However, the Sailfish would put for a much better effort the rest of the match as they were narrowly defeated 28-26 in the second game, defeated the Sharks 25-22 in game number three before falling 25-19 in the clincher.

“The first game we came out flat and got way behind which I think had some to do with our new players adjusting to the gym which they’ve never played at before,” said head coach Beth Avila.

“I feel that a few mental errors probably cost us down the stretch in the fourth game after we put nearly everything we had into our third game victory,” continued Avila.

Seniors Emily Ryerson and Brittany Erickson continue to pace the Fish from an offensive standpoint as both players tallied team-high honors with eight kills each. After stumbling in their opening game to the tune of nine hitting errors opposed to only five kills (-.14), the Sailfish regrouped and delivered much better efforts the rest of the way.

Game three witnessed the Fish coming away with 10 kills while committing only one hitting error as PBA went on to a tight 25-22 victory.

Once again utilizing a setting tandem, freshman Jessica Way paced the Sailfish efforts with 18 assists while Ryerson chipped in 14. On the defensive end, Erickson guided the Fish from the back-row most often as she contributed 14 digs while junior libero Jennifer Eldridge added in 10 digs.

Freshman middle-blocker Lauren Villarreal saw more action tonight than in previous matches as she paced the PBA front-line with six total blocks (five assists and one solo).

NSU veteran Emily Carle led all hitters with 16 kills while Christina Chubb also reached double figures with 11 kills. Valia Petrova led the Sharks from the setter position as she tossed out 48 set assists to lead NSU to their tenth victory of the 2008 season against just three losses.

PBA returns home on Saturday as they will take on Flagler College at 1 pm in the Rubin Arena.