CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball won two matches on Friday to open play at the Lee University Holiday Inn Express Classic, defeating Arkansas-Monticello and Shorter by 3-0 scores. The 'Fish will now prepare for another doubleheader tomorrow, as they will close out play at the Classic with matches against Arkansas Tech and the host Lee University.
No. 11 Palm Beach Atlantic 3, Arkansas-Monticello 0
Palm Beach Atlantic's offense could not be stopped in the opening match of the day, as they hit an impressive .302 as a team as they swept the Boll Weevils to remain unbeaten on the season. The first set was back and forth at first as the teams were getting started, as they were tied at 14 midway through the set. The 'Fish then went on a 4-0 run, as they came up with three consecutive blocks and a service ace to pull away, and continued to run away with the set.
The second set was all Sailfish, as PBA had 19 kills and just one error in the set. A late comeback by the Boll Weevils made the set close but the Sailfish won 25-22. The final set saw UAM hold a lead for much of the set, but strong play late by the Sailfish allowed them to win 25-18.
Raegan Grooms was stellar in the match, as the senior finished with 15 kills and just two errors, while adding four blocks. The Sailfish middles were once again dominant, as Jennie Anderson and Maddie Span combined for 13 kills and just one error. Anderson led all players with eight blocks to go with her six kills. Setter Molly Burkhardt had a nice match to open the weekend, as she tallied 37 assists, while racking up four kills, eight digs, and four blocks.
No. 11 Palm Beach Atlantic 3, Shorter 0
The Sailfish got off to a good start in the final match of the day, as they hit .205 in the first set and defeated the Hawks 25-18.
The second set was very similar, as the Sailfish have made a habit of closing out sets strong so far this season. The set was tied at 12 before the 'Fish rattled off six straight points to take a commanding lead in the set. The 'Fish held Shorter to just a .052 hitting clip in the second frame.
The Sailfish hit .250 in the third and final set of the match, as they beat the Hawks 25-22 to complete the sweep. Amber Rowoldt led the Sailfish with 16 kills in the match, as she hit .394 and added 11 digs. Burkhardt had 36 assists in the match, as the senior also added 10 digs and a pair of kills. Libero Lilly Turner led the Sailfish with her 18 digs, while Ally Smith added 13 of her own.
