Prescott, AZ- The Hope International University Royals (11-13, 5-9 GSAC) fall to the Eagles of Embry-Riddle University (15-12, 8-6 GSAC) in the final GSAC game of the 2024 season.
The Royals looking to end GSAC play with a win fell to the Eagles of Embry-Riddle University in a 3 set match this evening in Prescott, AZ. The first set started off strong with both teams trading points back and fourth. The Eagles then went on a four point run capitalizing on errors made by the Royals which initiated the momentum shift. Two kills by Cassidy Koffroth kept the Royals within reach from the Eagles. Continuing to break through the defense of the Royals, the Eagles continued to find ways to attack the ball that the Royals could not return on. The Eagles took the first set of the match 25-14
The Royals looking to make a statement going into the second set started off strong keeping up with the Eagles. The two teams continued to trade points as Kills by Addie Mathias and Savannah Salter kept the Royals in the match. The Royals, keeping in close distance of the Eagles found ways to expose the Eagles weaknesses' forcing them to make substitutions about half way through the set. Chipping the lead point by point the Royals came within two points of the Eagles following two kills and one block by Racheal Holmberg. Despite three last minute kills by Rachael Street, Addie Mathias and Cassidy Koffroth, the Royals fell to the Eagles in the second set with a score of 23-25.
The Royals knew they needed a win to keep this match alive. Alysah Colladay's kill gave the Royals their first point of the set. The Eagles were quick to return as they stretched the lead early in the set. Stacey Dawes then joined the Royals on the court looking to bring energy that will keep the Royals in the match. A kill by Addie Mathias brought the Royals within one from the Eagles giving them a glimpse of hope to win this set. Despite various efforts and adjustments by the Royals, the Eagles continued to break through the defense of the Royals which included to service aces and a kill by the Eagles. Alysha Colladay and Chloe Mata entered the game with hopes to put the Royals back on the board. Despite strong efforts by Rachel Holberg and Cassidy Koffroth, the Royals fell to the Eagles in the third set of the match, ending GSAC play and the Royals season with a score of 18-25.
