FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Nova Southeastern defeated the Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team in four sets, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19, 25-13, on Tuesday at Rick Case Arena. 

Maggie Patterson recorded 23 digs over four sets as libero. Grace Reynolds contributed 31 assists, facilitating the team's offensive play. Harper Stokes added eight kills on 19 attempts, maintaining a hitting percentage of .211. Brighten Sedmack tallied six kills and two service aces across three sets, while also contributing two solo blocks.

"It was a tough match on the road today," PBA head coach Jeff Huebner said. "Maggie played a really good game today as a defender and serve receiver and showed really good toughness against their offense."

PBA began with a strong defensive effort, with Kelsey Rogers and Kaley Board combining for an early block to keep the score close at 4-2. Reynolds facilitated the attack effectively, assisting on several key kills by Board and Rogers, allowing the 'Fish to draw even at 5-5. 

Midway through the set, Stokes and Nae Jordan each delivered timely kills, maintaining a narrow margin with NSU. Despite trailing 14-11, the Sailfish responded with a kill from Board, cutting the deficit to one. Sydney Corbett contributed crucial points, and the team managed to level the score at 15-15. NSU then gained momentum, extending their lead with a series of attacks. However, The Sailfish closed the gap once more with a late surge featuring kills from Corbett and Sofia Augusto. Despite this effort, the Sharks took the first set 25-22, after the 'Fish's service error ended the set.

The Sailfish began the second set with strong momentum, as Lexi Berry delivered two consecutive service aces, putting them ahead 2-0. The team maintained pressure with key plays, including a kill by Rogers and several attack errors forced on Nova, pushing the score to 5-2. Despite a brief rally from NSU to tie the score at 5-5, the 'Fish responded with a kill by Reynolds, regaining a slim lead. The set saw back-and-forth exchanges, with Sedmack contributing significantly, including a service ace to edge past the Sharks, 21-18. Continuing to capitalize on offensive opportunities, Corbett and Stokes added late kills, allowing the 'Fish to close the set 25-22. This strong finish secured the set and maintained their overall lead.

The 'Fish initiated the third set with a kill by Stokes, setting an early tone. Berry and Rogers contributed with kills, maintaining a close score as teams exchanged points. A service ace by Patterson briefly put the 'Fish ahead. As the set progressed, the Sharks gained momentum with a series of kills, pulling ahead 10-7. PBA responded with contributions from Corbett and Sedmack, managing to equalize at 11-11. Despite a resilient effort, including a block by Corbett and Rogers, NSU capitalized on a series of errors to widen their lead. The 'Fish continued to fight back with critical kills from Berry and Corbett, narrowing the gap to 18-20. However, NSU maintained its advantage through efficient play, ultimately closing out the set with a 25-19 win.

Nova Southeastern capitalized on a series of early errors by the 'Fish to establish a 4-1 lead at the start of the fourth set. Stokes responded with two kills, narrowing the gap to 4-4, but NSU regained momentum with a string of points, including a service ace, to extend their lead to 10-4. The Sailfish attempted to rally with Savanna FauntLeRoy's kill and a block from Corbett and Stokes, bringing the score to 14-9. Despite these efforts, the Sharks continued to capitalize on attack errors and maintained a strong advantage. The set closed with Nova Southeastern clinching the set 25-13, following a service ace that sealed their victory.

The Sharks outhit the 'Fish .209 - .093. NSU posted a 60 percent side-out percentage compared to PBA at 49 percent.

The 'Fish are back at home on Friday when they host Rollins. The match in Rubin Arena is set for 6 p.m.