WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team defeated the Florida Southern Mocs in a five-set match, 21-25, 19-25, 25-13, 26-24, 15-8, on Saturday at Rubin Arena. After falling behind two sets, PBA rallied with a dominating third set. The match concluded with a decisive fifth set, where the 'Fish capitalized on FSC's five unforced errors in the set to secure the victory.

Maggie Patterson recorded five of PBA's 12 service aces and contributed 20 digs as libero. Grace Reynolds facilitated the offense with 42 assists, along with 11 digs and four kills. Kaley Board led the team in scoring with 17.5 points, tallying 16 kills and three blocks. Kelsey Rogers made her presence felt at the net with seven total blocks, including one solo. Nae Jordan had an impressive showing, hitting .323 from the outside with 14 kills.

"Impressive toughness from our team today to right the ship after a tough first two sets," PBA head coach Jeff Huebner said. "Syd and Kaley were so good together on the left, while Nae stepped in and was great on the right side for our team. Grace continues to make her hitters effective and picks the right times for the right people. Maggie, Grace and Lexi were really tough from the service line for us today which capped off a great weekend on first contact play. Looking forward to seeing our team compete on the road this week!"

The Sailfish began the first set with a steady performance, marked by Board's early kill and Reynolds' service ace, which brought the score to 3-1. The team maintained their composure as Jordan contributed multiple kills, and the team capitalized on opponent errors to pull the score back to 12-12 midway through the set. 

Despite these efforts, the Mocs surged ahead with a series of successful plays, including a service ace and multiple kills by Bali Coles and Chloe Moreland, opening a 22-15 lead. The 'Fish responded with a late push, closing the gap to 24-21 with contributions from Harper Stokes and Savanna FauntLeRoy. However, the set concluded with the FSC securing a 25-21 victory with a final kill by Coles.

The Sailfish began the second set with momentum, as Rogers secured an early kill, aided by Reynolds, to set the pace. The team extended their advantage to 10-3 through a combination of effective kills and opponent attack errors, highlighted by a service ace from Patterson and a block from Stokes and Sofia Augusto.

FSC mounted a comeback, narrowing the lead with several successful kills and capitalizing on some 'Fish errors. The visitors managed to tie the score at 13-13 and then took the lead. Despite a brief rally with kills from Reynolds and Rogers, Palm Beach Atlantic was unable to regain control.

The set concluded with the Mocassins securing a 25-19 win, overcoming the 'Fish's initial lead and creating pressure that culminated in a series of critical points.

PBA began the third set with momentum, capitalizing early on attack errors by the Mocassins to establish a 5-1 lead. Key contributions included a kill by Stokes and a block by Jordan and Rogers. The Mocs briefly rallied to tie the score at 5-5, but the 'Fish responded with a series of kills from Jordan and a service ace by Rogers, regaining a 10-7 advantage.

As the set progressed, the 'Fish maintained their lead with consistent offensive plays from Sydney Corbett and Reynolds. A pivotal service ace by Lexi Berry extended the lead to 22-12. The set closed with the Sailfish continuing their strong performance, as Corbett secured the final point with a kill, concluding the set with a 25-13 win. PBA outhit FSC .291-.098 in the set.

In the fourth set, the 'Fish capitalized on a crucial service run initiated by Patterson, who delivered two consecutive aces to shift momentum and gain a 12-9 lead. This pivotal stretch was supported by strong offensive plays from Board and Rogers, keeping the team ahead.

Despite a late surge from the Mocs, which tied the score at 23-23, the 'Fish maintained composure. Key defensive efforts, including a block by Augusto and Rogers, helped regain the lead. The set concluded with two consecutive scoring plays from Corbett securing a 26-24 victory, sealing the set win for the 'Fish.

The Sailfish capitalized on a series of early momentum swings in the fifth set, establishing a commanding lead over the Mocs. Stokes initiated the scoring with a kill, assisted by Reynolds, setting the tone for an early 6-0 run, which included a service ace from Patterson and a kill by Board. The 'Fish maintained their offensive pressure, effectively extending their advantage to 9-2 with additional contributions from Board and defensive stops that forced multiple attack errors from FSC.

Although the Mocs managed a brief rally to close the gap to 9-6, a timely kill by Jordan, again set up by Reynolds, halted their momentum. The 'Fish sustained their dominance through precise attacks and forced errors from the opposition, closing the set with a decisive 15-8 scoreline. Reynolds' playmaking was instrumental, assisting on crucial points that underscored Palm Beach Atlantic's control throughout the set.

PBA has another tough test in the form of Barry on Tuesday. The match in Miami Gardens, Fla. takes place at 7 p.m.