KISSIMMEE, Fla.- A very successful turnaround season for the Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball team concluded its long journey on Saturday afternoon at the Kissimmee Civic Center in the national semi-finals of the NCCAA National Tournament. Needing a win over defending champion Campbellsville University to advance to the championship match, the Sailfish battled hard but came away defeated 3-0 by the Tigers.

In what can only be categorized as a very successful 2010 campaign for the Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team, the Sailfish simply did not have enough left to defeat an energized Campbellsville opponent who took the match 25-21, 25-23, and 25-20.

With head coach Bob White returning to the bench after a three season absence, the Sailfish proved they are once again to be considered as strong contenders for postseason play. Not only did the Sailfish reach the NCCAA National Tournament for the first time since 2007, but they also improved their win total by 14 wins from a season ago with much returning for the young Fish in 2011.

For PBA’s two senior members, Jennifer Eldridge and Kristin Carroll, the tandem was part of a great resurgence in PBA volleyball in 2010 and will be greatly missed for their accomplishments and impact on the PBA volleyball program.

Against the Tigers (34-11) who will move on to face #1-seed Indiana Wesleyan University for the championship later today, they were paced by a duo of solid hitters in Shannon Cahill and Monica Chernichan who collected 13 and eight kills respectively. Genevieve Collette added seven kills to aid the Tigers effort.

The Sailfish were led by Mariela Quesada who led all players with 14 kills while posting a solid .229 hitting percentage against a big CU front line. Janeen McCormick would finish with seven kills while Lanae Robinson came away with six kills.

Jessica Way concluded her junior campaign with 28 assists while Allie Warren was joined by Quesada in double-digits in digs with 12 and 10 respectively.

With the 2011 season to look forward to, the Fish will bring back an experienced group including Quesada, Warren, Robinson, McCormick, and Jessie Kubiak. Youth abounds as well with freshmen Christina Alessi and Katie Lindstrom being joined by a strong incoming class next season.