BOCA RATON, Fla. — Lynn University, who entered the match ranked No. 1 in the AVCA top 25 and were crowned National Champions in 2024, edged Palm Beach Atlantic University in a dramatic five-set victory, 25-12, 18-25, 27-29, 25-22, 16-14, on Friday at de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center. The 'Fish mounted a strong comeback in the third set, pushing past LU in extended play, but ultimately fell short in the decisive fifth set. The Fighting Knights' serving power was evident with five service aces, contributing to their narrow win.

Maggie Patterson recorded 16 digs over five games, demonstrating her defensive contributions for Palm Beach Atlantic. Grace Reynolds facilitated the offense with 45 assists, effectively setting up her teammates throughout the match. Kelsey Rogers led at the net with 13 kills on a .522 hitting percentage and contributed significantly on defense with eight total blocks, accumulating 18.5 points. Rachel Smith added 14 kills and registered five total blocks, finishing with 17 points in her performance.

"Such a great well played match by both teams, PBA head coach Jeff Huebner said. "I'm so proud of our team as we grow into a nationally competitive program. Grace ran an excellent offense with really timely play from Kelsey, Harper and Rachel. We can't wait to be back in the Rubin tomorrow at 4!"

PBA opened the first set against LU with Smith delivering key kills, narrowing the early deficit to 3-4. Despite efforts from Smith and Harper Stokes, the 'Fish faced challenges in maintaining momentum as the Fighting Knights pulled ahead with a series of successful plays led by Valentina Mogg and Lillia Neill. The Fighting Knights capitalized on the 'Fish's attack errors and maintained consistent pressure, closing the set with a 25-12 advantage.

In the second set, the Sailfish capitalized on errors from the Fighting Knights, opening with a series of blocks and kills to gain momentum. Key contributions came from Rogers and Sedmack, who each recorded significant kills to put the Sailfish ahead. The 'Fish, who entered the game on a nine match winning streak, extended their lead with a service ace from Sydney Corbett and consistent setting from Reynolds, who assisted multiple successful attacks.

The 'Fish maintained control despite LU's attempts to close the gap, with Smith and Rogers combining for multiple blocks. As the set progressed, the Fighting Knights struggled with errors, allowing the Sailfish to secure the set. A service ace by Patterson concluded the set at 25-18, increasing the 'Fish's advantage.

PBA opened the third set with Rogers delivering a kill from Reynolds, leveling the score at 1. Despite an early exchange of points, PBA faced a brief setback as LU built a 5-3 lead. However, Board and Sedmack responded with crucial kills, keeping the Sailfish close at 9-8.

The set saw significant momentum swings, with the Sailfish narrowing the Fighting Knights' lead to 18-16, fueled by key plays from Rogers and a block by Reynolds. As the set continued, Rogers added multiple kills, helping the 'Fish tie the score at 23-23. In a tense finish, decisive blocks and kills by Stokes and Corbett allowed the 'Fish to secure the set 29-27, concluding a dramatic and competitive frame.

In the fourth set, PBA mounted a determined effort to close the gap against LU. Smith and Reynolds combined effectively, with Smith delivering several key kills. Stokes also contributed significantly with her attacks, assisted by Reynolds, which helped the Sailfish keep pace with the home team.

Despite a resilient offensive push, LU maintained its lead with strategic plays that kept them narrowly ahead. Notable performances from Sedmack and Lexi Berry kept the 'Fish in contention, reducing the Fighting Knights' lead to a single point late in the set. However, LU's consistency at the net and a crucial service error from PBA allowed the home team to secure the set 25-22.

Palm Beach Atlantic began the fifth set with a balanced attack, quickly tying the score at 1-1 with a kill from Rogers assisted by Reynolds. The visitors gained a 3-2 advantage with a block by Smith, followed by a kill from Berry. A kill by Sedmack extended the lead to 5-3.

Following a series of exchanges, PBA maintained pressure as Stokes logged a critical kill to pull within one at 9-8. Rogers kept the momentum, tying the score at 9-9 with another kill. The set remained tightly contested, with the Sailfish leveling again at 13-13 through a Sedmack kill.

Despite the team's efforts, the Fighting Knights managed to edge ahead with a late 16-14 finish. The set closed with Palm Beach Atlantic narrowly falling short in the decisive frame.

The Sailfish hold an overall record of 10-2 and are 0-1 in Sunshine State Conference play. The Fighting Knights stand undefeated at 11-0 overall, with a 1-0 record in the Sunshine State Conference.

PBA faces a quick turnaround, hosting Nova Southeastern on Saturday. The match in Rubin Arena takes place at 4 p.m.