WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- Although an exciting third set would extend the match a bit longer than expected it wouldn’t stop the Sailfish volleyball team from their goal of a 16th straight win as they closed out Barry University on Tuesday evening in straight sets. The final score of set three proved both lengthy and exciting as the Buccaneers shook off match point on six different occasions before PBA clinched a 34-32 win to close out the victory on Senior Night.

Following the match PBA’s lone senior Christina Alessi was honored by her coaches, teammates and fans on hand with a Senior Night presentation at mid-court. The West Palm Beach, Fla. native and local graduate of The King’s Academy once again proved dominant as she led all players with 16 kills on the night while adding in four digs and three block assists.

PBA managed identical 25-22 wins in the first two sets before seeing the marathon third set settle a sweep in the hands of the ‘Fish.

Ranked No. 23 in the latest AVCA national poll, the Sailfish (26-3) were without their top hitter on Tuesday as Faith Rohn was sidelined with a mild injury. In her absence the Sailfish saw a number of players step up with big performances while their always-solid defense once again reigned supreme.

Sophomore Rachael Holehouse and freshman Katie Ballantyne were called into duty to pick up the void left by Rohn and both responded with solid showings.

Holehouse led all players on the night with 23 digs while adding in seven kills and a pair of service aces while Ballantyne showed her great promise with a career-best 14 digs while adding in a pair of kills, an ace and two assists.

Adding to Alessi and Holehouse’s good work was the performance of Elly Raush who finished with 13 kills while Emma Ballantyne chipped in with six kills.

Juniors Melissa Buckingham and Becca Acevedo also did their usual damage with Buckingham running down 21 digs while Acevedo finished with 45 assists and five kills including the game-winner in set three. Acevedo proved especially effective as an attacker from the setter position as she made good on all five of her kill attempts.

The Bucs (8-14) were led by 10 kills from Ashley Carrero while Jayla Trombley added in nine kills.

PBA will be on the road for their final four matches of the regular season with an important double-header set for Saturday, Nov. 9 in St. Augustine. The Sailfish will take on the host Flagler College Saints at 2 pm followed by a match with No. 19-ranked and unbeaten Armstrong Atlantic State University at 5 pm.