PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The Embry-Riddle
women's volleyball team battled through a tightly contested GSAC
match up on Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell to Hope International in five sets, 26-24, 19-25, 25-22, 18-25, 10-15, inside Eagle Gym. The loss moves the Eagles to 8-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
The teams were evenly matched throughout the afternoon, combining for 32 tie scores and 17 lead changes over the five-set contest. Embry-Riddle opened the match by edging Hope International 26-24 in the first set before the Royals answered with a 25-19 victory in the second. The Eagles regained momentum in set three with a 25-22 win, but Hope International forced a deciding fifth set with a 25-18 result in the fourth. The visitors carried that momentum into the final frame, pulling away late for a 15-10 victory.
Embry-Riddle was led offensively by Anela Chew, who recorded a team-high 10 kills, while Brooke Eglinton and Abbylynn Farrell added seven kills apiece. Hannah Clear chipped in six kills and contributed three total blocks, while Destiny Matthews finished with six kills and two solo blocks.
Running the offense was Alice Tuci, who dished out 33 assists, while Sydney Sniffen anchored the back row with a match-high 25 digs. Eglinton added 15 digs for a double-double effort, and Farrell contributed 10 digs as the Eagles totaled 73 digs as a team.
The Eagles claimed the statistical edge at the net with four solo blocks and six total team blocks, while also holding Hope International to a .117 attacking percentage. However, the Royals generated 58 kills and hit .141 as a team, overcoming Embry-Riddle's defensive efforts in the decisive fifth set.
Embry-Riddle will look to bounce back in its next conference match up as the Eagles continue GSAC play next Saturday at Benedictine-Mesa.
