GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Embry-Riddle
volleyball team battled through a competitive four-set match on Friday evening but fell to Arizona Christian, 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 16-25, 17-25), in GSAC
action.
Embry-Riddle showed resilience throughout the match, responding to a first-set loss by claiming the second set and evening the contest at one set apiece. The Eagles fought through 18 total tie scores and several momentum swings but were unable to slow an Arizona Christian attack that hit .238 for the match and recorded 62 kills.
Offensively, Anela Chew paced the Eagles with a team-high 11 kills, while Brooke Eglinton added nine kills and 11 digs. Destiny Matthews was highly efficient in the middle, finishing with seven kills on a .316 hitting percentage while contributing six total blocks. Alexsandra Rodriguez chipped in six kills, and both Haeden Baker and Hannah Clear provided five kills each off the bench.
Setter Annette Tapia directed the Embry-Riddle offense with 30 assists, adding seven digs and a service ace. Defensively, libero Sydney Sniffen led all Eagles with 22 digs, helping the team collect 73 digs overall. Lyons added 10 digs, while Eglinton recorded 11 in a balanced defensive effort.
The opening set featured five ties and three lead changes before Arizona Christian pulled away late for a 25-21 victory. The Eagles answered in the second frame, overcoming an early deficit and using solid defense and timely kills to secure a 25-22 win. After the break, however, the Firestorm regained control, hitting .293 in the third set and .314 in the fourth to close out the match.
Embry-Riddle finished with 46 kills, 42 assists, 73 digs, and 19 total blocks.
