ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Eastern University Volleyball earned an efficient three-set win over the visiting Manhattanville College Valiants. The Eagles (17-2, 4-0 MAC Freedom), who dropped a spot to No. 14 in the latest AVCA National Poll, absorbed the best punch the Valiants could throw early and used good serving and solid defense to earn the win. 

The Valiants (9-5, 2-2 MAC Freedom) came into the gym with great enthusiasm and energy and were within two points at 12-10 in the opening set. The Eagles earned a sideout, and senior libero Rylie Haas served for 11 consecutive points to steal the momentum back and lift the Eagles to a 25-11 win int he first set.

"We know that is what we have to expect," Head Coach Mark Birtwistle said of the early burst from the Valiants. "Once we weathered that, then we were able to get the game under control. Rylie moved the ball around and changed tempo, and we were able to capitalize when they got out of system."

The Eagles jumped to an early lead in the second set and never looked back en route to a 25-12 win. The Eagles had four aces in the second set.

Manhattanville built a three-point lead in the final set before Sarah Roberts delivered three consecutive kills to tie the set at 14 and force a time-out.

"We have been working to get our middles involved and on some of their technique," Birtwistle added. Roberts and Michelle Paulsen each finished with nine kills.

The Eagles built on that momentum and pulled away to a 25-20 win. Stephanie Elechko finished with a match-high 11 kills. The Eastern defense, led by Haas with 20 digs, held the Valiants to a scant .017 hitting percentage in the match. Eastern hit .241.

The Eagles have the weekend off and will return to action at FDU-Florham next Wednesday.