PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Belhaven University volleyball fell twice this afternoon in day two of the Arizona Christian Tournament in Phoenix.

The Blazers, who are now 0-4 on the season, lost to both Embry-Riddle (AZ) (25-16, 25-19, 25-17) and to the University of Antelope Valley in a five-set battle (25-23, 21-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-9).

In the first contest of the afternoon, the Green and Gold were swept in straight sets.  The Blazers held their own early on in the opening set, but Embry-Riddle tallied seven consecutive points to develop comfortable lead and win the set.

The second set was controlled by the Eagles as Belhaven played from behind early on. The Blazers rallied later on in the set to cut the deficit down to one point at 20-19. However, the Eagles would win the next five points to take a two set advantage.

Embry-Riddle led the entire way in the third set to clinch the victory.   
           
For Belhaven, junior Lauren Whiting for the second time this year led the Green and Gold up at the net with a team-high 10 kills. Bekah Williams tacked on seven kills and Ryan Hardin posted six. Hardin also posted three block assists.

Kelly Aholt registered 19 assists and eight digs while freshman Sydney McEachern collected nine.

Against Antelope Valley, Belhaven played their best match of the weekend. The Blazers combined for a team-high 58 kills in the match, and were able to control points up at the net.

After falling in a tight close first set, the Green and Gold won the next two sets by scores of 25-21, and 25-22.

The Blazers needed just one more set to clinch the match victory, but the Pioneers would swing the momentum in their favor to win the final two sets.

Four Blazers finished the match in double figures in the kill category. Lauren Whiting finished with 14 kills, while Ryan Hardin tabbed 13 kills. Senior Blaykleigh Smythe added 12 and Bekah Williams recorded 10. Whiting also notched 12 digs.

Kelly Aholt put together a season-high 49 assists, and Sydney McEachern posted 25 digs. Allie Perkins also collected 11 digs and Katy Grace Abbott finished with two service aces.

Belhaven will return to action next Friday as they play host for the Belhaven Classic. The Blazers will play four matches on the weekend, with matches against Rust and Centenary on Friday at 3 and 7 p.m.

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