ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team dropped a nail-biter on the road at Eckerd by a score of 54-52.

Anabel Ellison led the way for the 'Fish with 14 points, including two clutch 3-pointers, along with six rebounds and three assists. Breeje Schuler provided a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, adding three steals to her impressive stat line. Blanche Toualeu was key defensively with two blocks and four rebounds, while Anaya Smith made her presence felt with four blocks and five boards.

The game kicked off with the Sailfish setting the pace. Smith's defensive prowess, highlighted by multiple blocks, set a solid foundation, and KB Hadley's 3-pointer at 8:14 evened it up at 3–3. The 'Fish capitalized on turnovers, taking the lead with Darria Whitley's free throws at 6:08, followed by a Schuler layup at 5:36, putting PBA up 7–6. PBA pushed forward with a Whitley 3-pointer at 4:47, stretching the lead to 14–6 after a series of defensive stands and swift counterattacks. The quarter wrapped up with Schuler's free throws at 0:59, giving the 'Fish a 16–10 edge over Eckerd.

The second quarter saw the Sailfish stay competitive, with Schuler converting a layup and free throw at 3:53, briefly nudging them ahead. Despite Eckerd tying things up at 27 with under two minutes left, the 'Fish reclaimed a slim lead with a crucial free throw by Toualeu at 1:06. Hadley capped the half with a buzzer-beating jumper, sending PBA into halftime leading 30–27.

The third quarter was a tug-of-war, with Whitley's 3-pointer at 7:14 extending the lead to six. Ellison kept the momentum rolling with another 3-pointer post media timeout at 4:07, cushioning the lead to eight. Eckerd fought back with a late rally, but Toualeu's layup at 1:16 steadied the ship. The quarter ended with a 10-point tie, keeping the 'Fish ahead 40-37 entering the final stretch.

Ellison opened the fourth with a quick three at 9:31, assisted by Toualeu, to strengthen the lead. Smith followed up with another three at 8:42. Despite several back-and-forth moments, including a Hadley layup at 6:03, the 'Fish faced headwinds as Eckerd countered with crucial buckets, including a decisive layup by Ieva Korzane at 4:11. Ellison and Schuler made pivotal plays in the closing moments, with Schuler securing key offensive rebounds. The Sailfish had a few opportunities to tie or take the lead inside the final 30 seconds of the game but couldn't find the basket. Whitley, Schuler and Ellison all had tough shots late that unfortunately hit off the rim.

The Sailfish have another opportunity for a big road win when they head to #4 Nova Southeastern on Saturday. The Sharks are 18-0 on the season and 10-0 in league play. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.