ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In a match characterized by scoring runs for both teams, the American University volleyball team came out on top, defeating Navy in three sets on Tuesday evening.

The Eagles earned 27-25, 25-19, 25-19 victories to improve to 13-5 overall and 5-0 in the Patriot League. Meanwhile, the Midshipmen fell to 2-15 overall and 0-4 in the league.

Senior Allison Cappellino finished with a match-high 10 kills, while sophomore Loren McKenzie added a career-high seven kills and seven blocks.

In the first set, the score remained close early on, but an 8-1 run by the Eagles gave them a 20-13 advantage. Navy cut the margin to three points before American had its first set point at 24-20. Although the Mids scored four straight points to tie the set, the Eagles were able to hold on for the win.

It was a 6-0 run in the second set that gave American an 18-10 advantage. While Navy rallied to come back within four points, the Eagles finished the set with back-to-back kills.

The final set was the closest of the match, featuring 13 ties and seven lead changes. With the score tied at 19-19, American went on its final run, scoring the final six points of the match to earn its fifth straight sweep.

The Eagles recorded eight total blocks in the match in contrast to just one by the Mids. In addition, American scored eight service aces, led by senior setter Monika Smidova with three.

"We lacked communication and were off-balance tonight," said Smidova. "That reflected in our composure, focus and drive. We need to work on our communication and siding out immediately. Navy was playing great defense tonight and they challenged our service reception.

"Even though we struggled at times, we were more patient at the end of each set, and that's how we were able to win."

The Eagles return to action this weekend with a pair of road matches, visiting Colgate on Friday evening, while facing Lehigh on Saturday.