Thrilling Opener: Eagles Split Their Matches on Day One of the 2025 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AZ) Season!

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) kicked off the 2025 volleyball season with two matches in San Antonio. They bagged a thrilling 3-1 win against Texas Wesleyan but faced a tough loss to Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), going down 3-0.

In the first game against Texas Wesleyan, the match was filled with momentum swings and exciting plays. The Eagles secured victory with scores of 27-25, 26-24, 24-26, and 25-22. It was a nail-biter, featuring 29 ties and 11 lead changes.

Leading the charge for the Eagles was Anela Chew, who delivered an impressive 14 kills and 15 points. Emma Barber also shined with 11 kills, 3 service aces, and another 15 points. Alexsandra Rodriguez contributed 9 kills and played solid defense with 4 digs. Setter Alice Tuci was pivotal, orchestrating the offense with 31 assists, while Alexis Craeger anchored the back with 12 digs.

Texas Wesleyan wasn’t an easy opponent. They had strong performances from Victoria Smith and Hanna Rubis, each netting 11 kills. Smith also added 5 blocks, while Rubis hit an impressive .364 and scored 13.5 points. Despite losing the third set, the Eagles regrouped and closed out the match in the fourth, showcasing their resilience.

The second game against OLLU proved challenging. ERAU fell in three sets: 25-19, 25-16, and a nail-biting 35-33. The Eagles fought hard, especially in the third set, which saw 14 ties and 7 lead changes. Chew again led the offense with 11 kills and 11 points, while Rodriguez recorded 10 kills and a strong hitting percentage of .381. Hannah Clear also contributed significantly with 10 kills and a hitting percentage of .444.

Setter Tuci assisted in 29 plays and added 9 digs, keeping the offense organized. Defensively, Craeger and Ronni Lyons each had 9 digs, showing their commitment on the court. OLLU’s balanced approach worked well for them as Anais Velazquez and Bailey Scott combined for 22 kills.

Despite the challenges, ERAU’s determination shone through. They finished the day with a record of 1-1 for the season and are set for more action tomorrow against William Carey. The Eagles will aim to bounce back and build on the lessons learned.

As the season progresses, it’s a great reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Teams face ups and downs, but it’s the grit and determination that ultimately define their journey. Keep an eye on the Eagles as they continue their quest on the court!

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