WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American's offense totaled 33 kills and just one attack error over the last two-plus sets of a 26-24, 25-12, 25-11 victory over the Navy volleyball team, Saturday night at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C.  The win by the Eagles (14-9, 7-4) snapped a four-match winning streak in the series by the Mids (14-6, 5-5), a run that had included a five-set Navy win eight days ago in Annapolis.

"We ran up against an American team that was really firing on all cylinders," said Navy head coach Paco Labrador.  "We played well in spurts, but American was the better team tonight.  We will regroup and prepare for a tough road trip next weekend."

Set One
Navy held a 20-16 lead late in the set, but could not hold the advantage as the Eagles tied the score at 21-21.  The Mids scored the next point, but American scored the ensuing three points to take a 24-22 advantage.  Navy fought off two set points, but back-to-back kills by the Eagles gave them the frame.

Set Two
American took an 6-3 lead and maintained that margin at 9-6.  The Eagles slowly pulled away from the Mids with the lead increasing to 12-6, 16-7 and 20-10.

Set Three
American quickly took a 9-3 lead and never allowed the Mids to cut into the difference.

Statistical Notes
The Eagles recorded six kills without an attack error at the end of the first set, posted 14 kills and no attack errors in the second set and tallied 13 kills and one hitting error in the third set.  American hit a combined .500 over the last two full sets (27 kills, one error, 52 attempts).  Conversely, the Mids hit .048 (15 kills, 12 errors, 62 attempts) in the same span.

The result marked the first time since Sept. 17, 2022, in which Navy lost by a 3-0 decision.  The Mids had gone 35 matches without being swept in a best-of-five set match, which bettered the previous school record of 28 matches in a row achieved during the 2005 season. 

In addition to holding the advantage in kills (43-30) and hitting percentage (.333-.118), the Eagles also led the Mids in aces (8-2), digs (54-46) and blocks (7-3).

Jamie Llewellyn led Navy with eight kills.  She was one of three Mids to grab at least 10 digs as she produced a team-high 12.

Up Next
Tonight's match started a stretch of the final three roads matches of the season for the Mids.  Navy will play matches Oct. 27 at Lafayette and Oct. 28 at Bucknell before playing its final four matches of the regular season at home.