WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- A back and forth battle throughout  the evening, the Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball team and Rollins College tangled in what was a thrilling five-game match between the two schools.  The Tars would come out on top however as they rallied from a 2-1 deficit and pulled out an exciting 18-16 victory in game five.

The Sailfish (4-3) appeared to be in full command after set number one as they dominated the Tars with solid placement and exceptional hitting. PBA also kept the Tars out of their offensive rhythm limiting them to a .057 first set hitting percentage as the home-standing Fish earned a 25-16 win. Back came the Tars in set two though as they rebounded for a match-high .343 attacking percentage with an impressive 14 kills and only two errors on their way to a 25-20 victory.

With things all tied up, the Fish once again gained control with a 25-23 victory in game three and looked to be in control of their own destiny. That was until the Tars stormed back with 25-19 and 18-16 victories to close out an exhausting and emotional match for both sides.

Mikayla Pierce led all players with 20 kills (.250 attacking percentage) with just five errors while adding in 11 digs. Nikki Hartman also put forth a solid showing with 16 kills (.226) and Natalie Branche adding 10 kills (.400) in limited duty.  Handling the setting duties for the Tars was Kiana Parks with 47 total assists while chipping in 14 digs. Libero specialist Karin Barborikova led the Tars defensive effort with 23 digs.

Blanche displayed a solid blocking force at the net as she made four solo blocks and two block assists.

The Sailfish were led by a solid overall performance from junior Liz Fugate who posted a career-high 18 kills (.286) but also was forced into eight hitting errors in 35 total attacks.

Three other Sailfish players reached double digits in kills with senior Jennifer Eldridge collecting 13 kills while Janeen McCormick and Allie Warren each posted 10 kills total.

Sophomore Jessica Way aided the Sailfish attack with a career-high 60 assists on the night while also posting 18 digs in a solid overall effort. Freshman Heather Shulke paced the Fish with 25 digs while Eldridge and freshman Kristina Harter each delivered 15 digs.

After a busy holiday weekend at the Sharks Classic and an early match this week, the Sailfish will have until Saturday until they play again as they will take on Eckerd College on Saturday, September 12th in St. Petersburg. The Sailfish and Tritons will begin at 2 p.m.