WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball team began the Pepsi Bash at the Beach Tournament on Friday evening as they opened play against fellow Sunshine State squad Flagler College before a loud crowd at the Rubin Arena. It would appear from early on that it would not be the Sailfish night as they dropped the match in three games by the scores of 25-16, 25-8, 28-26.

A NCAA Division II Final Four participant last season, the Saints (13-5) put forth a dominating effort while seemingly out-muscling the Sailfish attack with their strong block and good all around play. Flagler finished the sweep with a .291 hitting percentage while limiting the Sailfish to a season-low -.016 hitting percentage.

The usually solid offensive attack for PBA was held in check by a strong front-line of the Saints who posted a total of 20 block assists while the Fish managed only two block assists.

Senior Meg Weathersby proved her worth throughout the night as she posted a team-high total of 11 kills (.321 hitting percentage) while Rachel Stacy followed quickly behind with 10 kills and only one hitting error in 20 total attacks for a robust .450 hitting percentage.

The Saints utilized a 6-2 setting format with senior Rebecca Royal and junior Olivia Snipes splitting duty to the tune of 14 and 16 assists respectively. Weathersby posted a double-double with 12 digs to tie for the team lead with Dianna Craine and Casey Gnann with 12 digs each.

Palm Beach Atlantic (12-3) was paced by sophomore Mariela Quesada who posted nine kills but was also responsible for ten hitting errors. Quesada finished with 11 digs while junior Jessica Way added in 11 digs to go along with her 19 assists.

Junior Jessie Kubiak put forth a solid performance on the night with team-high honors of 13 digs to aide the Sailfish defense.

Palm Beach Atlantic will now prepare for a pair of opponents on Saturday as they continue play in the Pepsi Bash at the Beach Tournament. The Fish open up play at 9:30 a.m. versus Southern New Hampshire University while also taking on Bentley University at 1:30 p.m. Both games will be aired live on the Sailfish Sports Network.