The streak is over. The Park University Gilbert volleyball team had their 16-match conference winning streak snapped this afternoon against Embry-Riddle 3-0 (20-25, 11-25, 27-29) in Prescott, Ariz. With the loss, the Buccaneers (5-4, 4-1) fall one game behind the Eagles (13-5, 5-0) in the Cal Pac Arizona division.
"Embry played well," said Buccaneers head coach Clay Webb. "We allowed them to dictate how we were able to play our game. We know where ww have to get better and we will get back to work on Monday."
The first set was a tight one with Bucs jumping out early before the Eagles made a run to take over the lead and never looked back. The Eagles out hit the Bucs 16-13 in kills and made fewer miscues 3-6. ERAU also hit to a better percentage in the first frame .302-.179.
From there the Eagles took the momentum and rolled in set two. ERAU jumped out to a 6-0 lead and had 15 kills with 0 errors to run away with the set 25-11.
In set three, the Bucs showed signs of life leading late 18-17, but a 3-0 run put the Eagles ahead and forced a Buccaneer time out. Park Gilbert then made their own 4-2 run to tie match at 22. After ERAU took a 23-22 lead, two attack errors by the Eagles brought the Bucs on the brink of taking the third set but they were unable to take advantage as the third set turned into a back-and-forth affair before the Eagles were able to close out the third set 29-27 after back-to-back attack errors by the Bucs.
Amanda Jonovich led the way offensively for the Buccaneers once again with another double-double, posting 11 kills and 11 digs. Miranda Bacon was right behind with eight kills. Makenna Busse in her second match back from injury had five kills and hit .214.
The Bucs now continue on the road in conference play next week as they make their second road trip to California to take on La Sierra, Antelope Valley and Providence Christian next Thursday through Saturday September 30-October 2.
"The great thing about this is it is early in the season and I expect us to compete in California next week," said Webb. "We see Embry two more times this year. I have faith we will do our jobs better next time."
