Box Score

GRANTHAM, PA - It's often said that the true character of a team is revealed during adversity.

Test passed.

During Thursday's outing with Messiah College, the Crimson Eagles put Tuesday's somewhat dreadful performance against Arcadia University in the rearview mirror and instead focused on dethroning a group that has overcome PBU in five of six meetings all-time.

The Falcons - winners of five straight in the all-time series until a stunning Crimson Eagles upset a year ago - entered the game just 1-4 but had played a rigorous schedule to-date. In fact, the Falcon's only win came in the form of a 3-0 thrashing at the expense of last year's CSAC champ and this year's repeat favorite, Neumann University.

But behind a taxing five-game match that included a down-to-the wire fifth rally, the Crimson Eagles somehow escaped Grantham with their second win over the Falcons in as many years. Game scores for the night were 22-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-17, 15-13.

"We were very encouraged by the way we battled back after a 2-1 deficit," said head coach Jade Brubaker following Thursday's battle. "I thought everyone stepped up and played their roles well, and we pulled off a big win against a very good team."

Despite 17 service return errors for the night, the visitors limited Messiah to just 32 kills for the evening, ultimately holding a 12-point margin in the category. PBU also pestered the Falcons with 12 service aces, including five alone from Rebekah Morrison. Additionally, the Crimson Ealges held significant advantages in assists (44-31) and digs (62-52) for the evening.

Kay Lynn Zeiset highlighted PBU's defensive efficiency, posting 20 digs throughout the five game match. Betsy Ranck charted her fourth 30-plus assist effort of the season tallying 38 in all, and Carly Plank chipped in with 14 kills and 15 digs in the winning effort.

The win moves PBU to 3-3 on the year while Messiah falls to 1-5.

The volleyball team will host a tri-match this Saturday, going up against Philadelphia University at 11:00 am and Alvernia University later in the day at 3:00 pm.