PALM BEACH, Fla. (Volleyball) – Florida Tech (3-5, SSC 1-4) fell to No. 4 Palm Beach Atlantic (10-0, SSC 5-0), in straight sets during the Sailfish's home opener on Tuesday night at Rubin Arena.

Against a ranked PBA squad, freshman outside hitter Brianna Garza recorded five kills at a .500 hitting percentage, while right side hitter Heather Bowersox added six kills at a .143 clip.

Senior middle blocker Samantha Reeves led the Panthers defensively with four blocks, while sophomore setter Sheila Villagrasa orchestrated the back corner with 15 digs.

After missing the first set by an eight-point deficit, FIT went toe-to-toe with the Sailfish in the opening of the second set. Trailing by three at the beginning of the set, Florida Tech consecutively scored on three attack errors by the Sailfish offense to tie the game at five. Unable to maintain the pace however, the Panthers fell behind the remainder of the set.

In the third set, Garza opened the frame to put the Panthers on the scoreboard first, keeping the Panthers close, 11-8. PBA eventually scored points four in succession to pull away and clinch the final set.

Florida Tech hit .081 for the match, collecting a total of 29 kills, 29 assists, 52 digs and 6.0 blocks. Within the three sets, the Crimson and Gray recorded a .261 kill percentage.

The Panthers stay on the road this week, as they next travel south to Boca Raton for a faceoff against the Lynn Fighting Knights. The Thursday night match is set for 7 p.m. ET. 

For more info, please visit FloridaTechSports.com.