Embry-Riddle battled through five grueling sets to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hope International on Saturday afternoon at Darling Pavilion. 

Embry-Riddle came out strong, taking the first two sets 25-22 and 25-18 behind a balanced offensive attack and solid defensive play. However, Hope International responded with resilience, claiming the next two sets 25-18 and 25-12 to force a decisive fifth set.

In the final frame, the Eagles regrouped and edged out the Royals 17-15 in a nail-biting finish.

Senior setter Alice Tuci orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out a match-high 31 assists while adding 12 digs and two service aces. Middle blocker Emma Barber led the team with 11 kills and contributed five block assists and eight digs, tallying 13.5 points.

Outside hitters Hannah Clear, Brooke Eglinton, and Haeden Baker each recorded 10 kills, with Clear hitting an impressive .304 and adding six total blocks. Baker led the team in hitting percentage at .400 and chipped in with four total blocks.

Defensively, Alexis Creager anchored the back row with a team-high 24 digs, while Ronni Lyons and Hie Loui added 11 and 9 digs, respectively.

ERAU will host Benedictine Mesa on Wednesday night with a 6pm start in the Eagle Gym.