Box Score (Vassar College)  |  Box Score (Elms College)

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - During a battle of two top 15 teams, the Crimson Eagles came out on the short end of the stick early Friday evening.

Playing in their opening match of the Vassar College Invitational against the host institution, PBU struggled to get rolling against the 10th ranked squad in the nation as the Brewers upset the sixth ranked Crimson Eagles 26-30, 30-24, 30-28, 30-28.

Vassar used a strong defensive effort to help contain the hitting prowess of PBU as the Brewers turned away numerous Crimson Eagle spikes, generating 19 blocks in the process for the match. Despite going down in game one, the host squad battled back by collecting a relatively efficient .255 hitting percentage throughout the drama-filled affair.

With two of the top hitters in the nation going face to face, PBU's Justin Brubaker ended up posting a game high 28 kills while Vassers' Phil Tully collected 22. Leo Dueck added 17 kills and 17 digs, and setter Drew Dillon recorded a season high mark of 62 helpers in the loss.

Looking to regain their swagger, the Crimson Eagles got back to the basics in their second match of the day against Elms College. PBU blew by their counterpart, rolling in three sets by scores of 30-14, 30-21, 30-15.

In a well-balanced attack, senior Jeremy Keating tallied eight kills and five digs to pave the way for the Crimson Eagles. Rookie outside hitter Noah Prickett chipped in with six kills and six digs and classmate Josh Tuttle added five spikes and two aces. Junior Oliver Good handed out 24 assists in PBU's ninth sweep of the year.

The volleyball team will continue action into Saturday, taking on Nazareth College at noon before a match with Johnson & Wales University at 2:00 pm.