rGILBERT, Ariz. - Park University Gilbert played its third NAIA National Tournament team of the 2019 season Friday night, falling in three sets to Embry-Riddle at The Nest, 25-14, 25-10, 25-15.

 

"We learned a lot of things that we'll break down on film to get ready for next week, but we saw again what kind of level national tournament teams can play on," said Park coach Clay Webb. "We get them again in a week, and I'm excited to see the progress we'll make."

 

The Buccaneers were led on offense by Claire Fisher's five kills and defensively by Mackenzie Seitz' 10 digs, as the Bucs fell to 6-7, while Embry-Riddle moved to 6-5, led by double-digit efforts from Elisa Pauzer and Erin Clark.

 

The Eagles broke away in the first set with a 4-0 run that split a close set, early on, and Embry-Riddle was able to turn a 13-8 lead after the run in to a 25-14 win. In the second, the Eagles never trailed, building a 15-4 lead on the way to a 25-10 win. 

 

Park U Gilbert led early in the third, up 4-2 on a kill by Fisher, but the Eagles were able to flip the score and take a 12-8 lead, winning the set and match 25-15.

 

The Buccaneers and Eagles play again in a week, in Prescott on Friday night.