The Eagles earned a 25-19, 25-15, 25-23 victory over Norfolk State in their final match of the tournament.

 

In the opener, American beat Rider, 25-17, 25-17 and 30-28.

 

American is now 5-2 on the season, with both losses (Howard and No. 7 Washington) coming against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season.

 

In the first match of the day, sophomore Meaghan Donahue led the Eagles with a dozen kills, Kristen Largay had 11 digs and Kennedy Etheridge handed out 33 assists. Jasmine Ellison and Loren McKenzie each had three blocks.

 

AU's defense held Rider to just a .100 hitting percentage, as the Broncs finished with 27 kills and 18 attack errors. Ryan Ackermann had 11 kills to lead Rider.

 

"It was a match of two teams trying to find out their starters and systems," said AU head coach Barry Goldberg. "Rider has a couple players who were out and we have been dealing with three or four players unavailable as well.

 

"Overall we are becoming more successful each match from the service line, but need more improvements controlling the ball on serve receive and attack. Our blocking success needs to improve if we are going to continue to be competitive against top NCAA competition."

 

American went out to leads of 3-1, 6-2 and 8-4 in the first set before Rider pulled back within 10-7. AU steadily increased its lead through the rest of the set, never leading by less than seven points after a kill by Kazala gave AU a 20-10 edge.

 

The Eagles had similar success in the second set, leading 8-3 early. Rider rallied to come within 12-11 before Donahue took over. Three kills by her gave AU a 21-15 edge and the Eagles went on to the win.

 

AU led 12-6 in the final set before the Broncs got hot. Rider led 24-19, but the Eagles held off five match points before tying the match at 24-24. AU put the final set away 30-28 on a block by Shannon Webb and Ellison and a kill from Webb.

 

Against the Spartans, the Eagles got 17 digs from Largay and six blocks from Ellison. Etheridge finished with 40 assists.

 

AU took control late in the first set, turning a 16-15 edge into a 23-18 lead that took the Eagles to the finish.

 

American led 11-5 in the second set before Norfolk State rallied to pull within 15-13. A six-point run gave AU a 22-13 lead.

 

AU trailed 22-21 in the final set but a kill by Kazala, a block from Ellison and Webb and a final block from Ellison and Aleksandra Sochacka closed out the match.

"I thought we played a pretty good level of volleyball in the final match of the weekend," said Goldberg. "Our attacking improved greatly as we hit a good number for the match. It was our first match this season we hit over .300. We have some tough tests coming in the next few weeks and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead."

 

American plays host to Coppin State on Tuesday at 7 p.m.