JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman (2-1) dropped a hard fought match to nationally ranked Palm Beach Atlantic (2-1) in straight sets Saturday afternoon at Holt Fieldhouse. The Sailfish hit .213 overall en route to a 25-13, 25-17, 30-28 victory.
With the score tied at 9-7 in the first set, PBA went on a 12-4 run to seize control of the initial stanza. JaLesa Beaver and Rachel Harper recorded two kills a piece for Carson-Newman in a game that saw the 'Fish hit .324.
The Eagles fell behind 8-2 in the second set before rallying back to pull within a 21-17 score, but Carson-Newman could not complete the comeback in a rally-driven second stanza. The home team record five total blocks led by Beaver's solo block and two block assists. Kiayna O'Neal and Kianna Sedlacek each notched a pair of block assists.
In the third set, Carson-Newman surged out to an 8-2 lead thanks to another strong blocking performance that saw the home team record six blocks in the set. Palm Beach Atlantic came back to tie the score at 22. The Eagles set aside two match points, but could not cash in on a couple set points of their own as the Sailfish earned their second win of the year.
"[Nikki James] has taught them techniques that they haven't learned," Mincey said of the team's blocking effort. "Sabina [Papala] is coming from a different angle, being able to read. It's nice to get both of their influences on our blockers."
Harper led the way with nine kills and 14 digs falling just shy of her third double-double. Kristen Pickett finished with 19 assists and eight digs. Taylor Lowe (12) and Kianna Sedlacek (10) also tallied double-digit scoops.
Carson-Newman will play host Tusculum Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at Holt Fieldhouse in its first SAC game of the season.
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