WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Volleyball) – Taking on a talented Palm Beach Atlantic squad on the road, the Panthers needed to perform at the top of their game to knock off the No. 17-ranked Sailfish on Friday night at Rubin Arena. However, Florida Tech (10-9) was outplayed by PBA (17-3) from the start, falling in straight sets (25-12, 25-17, 25-13)

Olivia Hersey led the Panthers with eight kills, which tied for a match-high. The freshman also topped FIT with a .278 attack percentage. Alea Hamm added five more kills for the Panthers. Leading FIT in assists was Ashtin Truesdale with 14. Three Panthers, Truesdale, Jenna Schaffer and Merelyn Martinez, recorded 12 digs apiece in the match.

Faith Rohn paced the Sailfish with eight kills to go along with 11 digs. Ally Rohn and Alexandra Roberts dished out 15 and 11 assists, respectively. PBA's libero, Rachel Holehouse, notched a match-high 17 digs in addition to three service aces. Susie Forbes tallied 12 digs and seven service aces.

In total, PBA registered 15 service aces compared to the Panthers' three. The Sailfish controlled the net in this one, finishing with 12.5 total blocks, the most against FIT this season. The Panthers recorded just three blocks, which tied a season-low.  FIT was also held to a season-worst attack percentage of -.020, while PBA converted at a .154 clip.

The Panthers are back in action Saturday in Miami Shores, Florida against SSC foe Barry. The match between FIT and the Bucs is set for 4 p.m. ET at the Health & Sports Center.

Live coverage for the Panthers' weekend matches can be accessed on FloridaTechSports.com.