LAKELAND, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team hit the road to face Sunshine State Conference foe Florida Southern on Friday night.

The Sailfish hung with the Mocs for the first two sets, but the efficient FSC attack was too much for PBA to handle. The hosts hit .429 in the match with a 74.5% side-out percentage to help them take the match 3-0.

Abbie Zylstra led the 'Fish with nine kills, hitting .148 with seven digs. Mary Morgan Formby totaled eight kills, leading the team with a .185 hitting percentage. Taylor Nelson led PBA with 10 digs in addition to five kills. Jayden Otto led the 'Fish with 26 assists.

After earning a 16-11 lead midway through the first set, the Mocs offense went on a 6-1 run, including five kills, to take a 22-12 lead. The advantage was too much for PBA to overcome as FSC took the opening set, 25-15.

The Sailfish regrouped and took their play up a level in the second set. The 'Fish hit a match-best .244 in the frame. PBA traded leads with the Mocs throughout the set. A 4-1 run from PBA with kills by Formby and Zylstra, followed by an FSC service error, gave the 'Fish a 24-22 lead. The Mocs tied it at 24 after a kill and a PBA attack error. The Sailfish had a chance to put the set away again but came up short. A service error and an unforced attack error gave the set to the Mocs 28-26.

FSC kept its momentum going in the third set, defeating the Sailfish 25-9 to complete the 3-0 win.

The Sailfish have a big test on Saturday when they travel to No. 3-ranked Tampa. The match against the Spartans takes place at 4 p.m.