WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic University volleyball team began their season on Friday afternoon by hosting the first of two tournaments in the Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation slated for the 2012 campaign. After a solid showing against Northwest Missouri State University that provided a 3-0 win in the opener the Sailfish would take on No. 17-ranked Lewis (Ill.) University in the nightcap. Despite a terrific effort the Fish would fall short as LU came from behind to earn a 3-2 win.

Both matches featured solid crowds on hand for the first day of the Hyatt Place Sunshine Classic as the Sailfish welcomed in six other universities including five from out of the state of Florida.

Match One (PBA vs. NWMSU)

After a bit of a slow start, the Fish really got things going in the right direction as they put forth better efforts in each of their three sets. They closed out the win by taking the sets by the scores of 25-20, 2-20 and 25-18.

Three PBA players reached double-digits in kills in the opener as junior Christina Alessi led all players with 13 kills on just 19 attacks for a very solid .579 attacking percentage.

She was followed by freshman Faith Rohn with a memorable debut of 14 kills (.370 attacking percentage) while senior Mariela Quesada was solid with 10 kills as well.

The Fish battled to a .305 team attacking percentage while limiting Northwest Missouri State to only a .082 attacking percentage.

Sophomore setter Becca Acevedo led the setting efforts with 37 assists for PBA while Rohn produced her first career double-double with 10 digs.

Match Two (PBA vs. No. 17 Lewis)

Moving to the Rubin Arena for their second match of the day, the Fish were faced with the tough task of squaring off against the nationally-ranked Flyers.

After a 25-21 win in the opening set, the Fish appeared even more destined for victory after they shook off a tough 25-23 loss in set two by taking their own 25-23 win in set three. The Flyers would have other ideas however as they pushed through and managed a 25-17 game four win and 15-11 game five victory.

Lewis rode the strong arms of Colleen Mitros and Jen Krumwiede for the victory as they combined for 32 kills with Mitros leading the way with 17 kills. Both players also reached double-digits in digs with 12 digs each.

Libero Amy Choi led all players with 18 digs.

The Fish were paced by Quesada and her 21 kills however she was also credited with 14 errors as she connected for a .106 attacking percentage within her 66 attacks.

Alessi was once again solid with 12 kills in 34 attacks (.265 attacking percentage) while Rachel Jones contributed nicely as well with eight kills and a .250 attacking percentage.

Sophomore libero Melissa Buckingham produced a match-high 19 digs in the loss while freshman Rachael Holehouse added in 16 digs.

The Fish will be back to the court with a quick turnaround on Saturday as they will battle the University of Southern Indiana at 10 am while squaring off against Washburn University at 4 pm.