SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Embry-Riddle volleyball team battled through a closely contested five-set match Friday afternoon at Faith Arena but fell to Northwest, 3-2 (21-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-21, 10-15). The Eagles moved to 5-3 on the season following the hard-fought defeat.
Embry-Riddle and Northwest traded momentum throughout the afternoon in a match that featured 10 tied scores and several dramatic swings. After dropping the opening set, the Eagles responded with a dominant second-set performance, hitting .176 while holding Northwest to a negative attack percentage to even the match at one set apiece.
The third set proved to be pivotal as the Eagles fought back and held opportunities late before Northwest escaped with a 26-24 victory. ERAU answered once again in the fourth, using a balanced offensive attack and strong play at the net to claim a 25-21 win and force a deciding fifth set.
In the final frame, Northwest jumped in front early and maintained control despite several Eagle rallies. Embry-Riddle was unable to close the gap as Northwest secured the 15-10 set victory and the match.
Destiny Matthews led the Eagles offensively with 13 kills on a .346 hitting percentage while also contributing 12 total blocks. Brooke Eglinton collected a double-double with 10 kills and a match-high 25 digs while adding 10 block assists. Abbylynn Farrell and Anela Chew each recorded 13 kills, giving Embry-Riddle three players in double figures offensively.
Alice Tuci directed the Eagle offense with 42 assists and 14 digs, while Sydney Sniffen anchored the back row with 26 digs. As a team, Embry-Riddle outblocked Northwest 33-21 and held a 56-52 advantage in kills, but Northwest's 11 service aces and strong fifth-set performance proved to be the difference.
The Eagles return to action tomorrow as they continue tournament play at Faith Arena.
