BELLEVUE, NEB. – The Embry-Riddle volleyball team plays its best portion of its non-conference schedule this weekend, which started with a matchup against MidAmerica Nazarene on Thursday. The Eagles battled hard against the Pioneers, dropping a pair of sets 25-23, but those few close points made the difference in a three sets to one defeat.

The opening two sets were close, and the Eagles had a lead in the second set. The Pioneers were able to find a way to close out in each set, winning the first two games with identical 25-23 scores.

The Eagles did break through in the third set, getting a big lead and not letting the Pioneers crawl back. Embry-Riddle defended well in that third game, as MNU posted a -.128 hitting percentage.

A pair of Eagles had double-digit kills, led by Adiva Joseph's 12. Emma Barber continued to build on her first weekend as a college volleyball player, tallying 10 kills on Thursday.

Katie Rolle had 32 assists and added seven kills. The senior was also active defensively, getting 12 digs and three block assists. Barber led the team with 14 digs on the afternoon.

Embry-Riddle will get back on the court Friday with a morning contest against Avila. First serve from the Lied Activity Center is scheduled for 9 a.m. AZ Time.