WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team hosted Eckerd in a Sunshine State Conference matchup on Friday night in Rubin Arena.

The Sailfish returned home for the first time since Nov. 2. PBA looked to avenge the loss against the Tritons earlier in the season. There was energy in the Rubin Arena, but the Sailfish failed to overcome the visitors. Eckerd won the match, 3-0. 

Middles Kelsey Rogers and Harper Stokes led PBA with seven kills each. Rogers hit a team-best .294 with two blocks. Stokes recorded a team-high five blocks while hitting .286. Abbie Zylstra led PBA with 14 digs as libero. Gabi Ashcraft notched a double-double with 25 assists and 11 digs. Addison Chapman and Sydney Corbett tallied four kills each.

"Kelsey, Harper, and Addison showed some bright spots in tonight's match," PBA head coach Jeff Hueber said. It's been encouraging to see how they've developed throughout the season, especially in out-of-system situations. We continued to show that we are one of the best blocking teams in the conference."

Eckerd outhit the Sailfish .280 - .142 in the match. PBA finished the contest with eight total blocks compared to two for the Tritons. Eckerd posted a 71 percent side-out percentage, keeping the Sailfish from stringing together runs.

PBA led the visitors early in the first set, but a 6-0 run put the Tritons ahead 13-9. Eckerd stayed ahead, taking the first set 25-17. After trailing early, PBA went on a 5-0 run with kills from Rogers and Chapman to tie the second set at 15. The Tritons answered with a 5-0 run, including two aces to lead 20-15. EC took the second set 25-20. The 'Fish held Eckerd to a match-worst hitting percentage in the third set, but the Sailfish could not get in tune on offense themselves. The Tritons won the final set 25-20 to secure the win.

"I look forward to finishing the season strong and honoring our seniors tomorrow," Huebner said.

PBA hosts Saint Leo in its final game of 2024 on Saturday. The match in Rubin Arena starts at 4 p.m. with senior day ceremonies taking place after the match.