WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team swept Florida Tech 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 on Saturday in the Rubin Arena.

The Sailfish maintained a strong offensive performance, with 49 kills and a .306 hitting percentage. The team also excelled defensively, recording 59 digs. The Panthers' effort included 46 kills, but their .236 hitting percentage was not enough to overcome the Sailfish's balanced attack.

Maggie Patterson recorded 20 digs, leading the defensive effort for Palm Beach Atlantic. Grace Reynolds facilitated the offense with 38 assists while also adding two blocks. Harper Stokes contributed defensively with six total blocks, while Nae Jordan led the attack with 12 kills on a .579 hitting percentage. Kaley Board added 10 kills, hitting .286 from the outside.

"A really good sweep against a very tough Florida Tech team," PBA head coach Jeff Huebner said. "Our team balance was outstanding with another phenomenal match from Grace with Maggie playing a near perfect defensive match. Nae had her best match of the year as a Fish on her birthday, and was a really tough match up for Florida Tech's best player."

PBA opened the first set with a back-and-forth exchange of points against Tech. Kelsey Rogers and Jordan each contributed critical kills to keep the score close early on. Midway through the set, the 'Fish gained momentum with a series of points, including a notable block by Stokes and Reynolds, and a kill by Board to establish a lead. As the set progressed, the Sailfish maintained control through effective plays from Reynolds and additional kills by Jordan and Sydney Corbett. Despite a late push from Tech, which narrowed the gap to 22-20, the 'Fish held their composure. A final service error by Tech allowed the Sailfish to close the set at 25-22, securing the lead.

The 'Fish began the second set by falling behind early, but quickly responded with a series of successful plays. Rogers and Jordan each contributed key kills, narrowing the gap to 4-4. Reynolds consistently facilitated the offense, providing several assists, including crucial kills by Board and Corbett, to maintain competitive pressure on Tech. As the set progressed, the Sailfish managed to tie the score at 10-10, thanks to a pair of kills from Sofia Augusto. The team continued to trade points with Tech, keeping the set tight. Despite falling behind 22-18, the 'Fish executed a strong comeback, capitalizing on opponent errors and a series of blocks by Jordan and Stokes to level the score at 24-24. In a tense finish, the Sailfish secured the set with consecutive kills from Reynolds and Board, closing the set at 26-24. This victory in the second set set the stage for the next phase of play.

The third set commenced with the 'Fish overcoming an initial setback, as Tech began with a 3-0 lead due to a series of blocks. However, the Sailfish gained momentum with Board executing a crucial kill, followed by Reynolds delivering a service ace to close the gap to 3-2. Midway through the set, the team continued to apply pressure. Jordan and Liani Sierra each recorded key kills, while Sierra's service ace equalized the score at 7-7. The back-and-forth nature persisted, as Reynolds orchestrated a balanced attack, assisting multiple kills that kept the scoreline tight. In the closing phase, the Sailfish secured the set with a strong performance from Jordan, who notched pivotal kills, and Reynolds, who provided vital assists. The set ended with the Sailfish taking a 25-21 lead, extending their advantage in the match.

After tonight, the Sailfish extend their winning streak to five and move to fourth place in the Sunshine State Conference.

PBA is back in action this Tuesday when it travels to Nova Southeastern. The match in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. is set for 7 p.m.