Melbourne, Fla. (Volleyball) – Despite an explosive start in the first set, Florida Tech (3-3, SSC 1-3) dropped in a four-set decision to Barry University (3-0, SSC 1-0) on Friday night at Clemente Center.

The Panthers out hit Barry .194 to .125 in the first set, accumulating 13 kills on 36 attempts. After the SSC outing, FIT amassed 51 kills, 38 assists, 12 blocks and 74 digs. The Crimson and Gray also recorded a .134 clip and three service aces.

Senior setter/outside hitter Kiersten Rosa finished with her first double-double of the season, adding 15 digs to her 32 assists. 

Junior middle blocker Olivia Hersey clutched a season-high 12 kills and hit .234, as well as counting a team-high of six blocks. Hersey is now ranked 19th in two categories within the Sunshine State Conference. The Orlando-native holds a spot in kills with an average of 2.64 per set, and in blocks with a total of 16.

Junior outside hitter Kelly Germain and freshman outside hitter Audrey Keenan finished with nine kills and 12 digs apiece. Senior middle blocker Samantha Reeves grabbed six kills for a team-high .500 clip.

Sophomore defensive specialist Kyra Atkinson picked up 20 digs and two assists, securing her fourth spot in the SSC leaderboard with an average of 5.14 digs per set. After tonight's match, the Ocala-native marked her sixth double-digit performance of the 2017 season. 

In a thrilling match that saw 27 tie scores and 11 lead changes, the Panthers opened up the SSC event by pressuring the Bucs into dropping the first set 25-20. Although the Panthers defense ceased most of the Barry attacks, FIT narrowly missed the remaining three sets and suffered its second SSC loss. 

Florida Tech will return to the Clemente Center tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET., for a match against the Sharks of Nova Southeastern.

Fans can follow live coverage of the match at FloridaTechSports.com