WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team concluded the weekend with a match against Florida Tech.

The 'Fish started strong, winning the first two sets by a decent margin. Florida Tech never said die, refusing to roll over. The Panthers cameback to defeat PBA in five sets despite the Sailfish outhitting FT, .215 - .106.

Harper Stokes led the Sailfish with 11 kills, hitting a scorching .588 from the middle with eight blocks. Mary Morgan Formby totaled nine kills with four blocks. Anna Beth Stokes recorded 17 assists with 10 digs, eight kills, and six blocks. Jayden Otto recorded 19 assists with two digs.

The Sailfish defense and tough serves forced the Panthers' attack to struggle to start the match. PBA started the match with a 25-18 win in the opening set. The Sailfish were rolling, taking the second set, 25-14, hitting a match-best .333 in the frame.

The Panthers regrouped and stormed out to a 23-13 lead in the third set. The Sailfish tried to make a comeback, cutting the deficit to five. FT closed the door with a kill, winning the set 25-19. FT kept the momentum in the match. The visitors hit an efficient .444 in the fourth set. The Panthers won 25-18 to force a fifth set.

Things looked bleak for the Sailfish as the Panthers held a 9-6 lead midway through the final set. A service error by FT, a kill from A. Stokes, and a pair of attack errors allowed PBA to tie the set at 10. Both teams traded points before Florida Tech ended the set on a 4-0 run, including a kill, ball handling error, ace, and a block. The Panthers won the final set 15-11 to clinch the match.

The Sailfish travel to the South Region Crossover next weekend to face off against three Gulf South Conference opponents. The Sailfish face off against West Alabama on Friday at 2:30 p.m. in Orlando.