LAKE WALES, Fla. - Sophomore Savannah Trakes led the Embry-Riddle Eagles with a career-match-high 27 kills over Warner Southern in a five game battle on September 7, in the team's Florida Sun Conference opener.

The Royals battled hard from the beginning, a suprise to the Eagles who had swept the team 3-0 in both appearances in 2006. ERAU seemed to suffer in game one, committing mental errors, losing 30-28.

Warner took their game one momentum into the beginning of the second game going up quick 12-6. The Eagles tied the game up at 18, after a time-out called by head coach Joslynn Gallop. After a few long volleys, ERAU was able to top off WSC, 30-26. Embry-Riddle took the third game 30-14.

In game four, the teams kept the score within two until the Royals began to take the edge going up 20-16 after two attack errors and a service ace by Krystle Steele, who served ten of the teams points in game four. WSC pulled way, but not before the Eagles were able to comeback to battle to the finish, losing 28-30.

The Eagles played game five, more intense than they played all season, with no monkey-business they were able to take an early lead forcing WSC's first year head coach, Kevin Crawford, to take a time-out. This just gave ERAU time to rebuild their force. With the lead 13-9, Janelle Marinos served an ace. That was followed up with a set from Marissa Gonzales that was smacked down to the floor by Rebecca Heller to sign-off on the victory for the Eagles.

It was the first time since October 6, 1995, that these two teams played a five-game match (the Eagles won in 1995). ERAU now leads the series against Warner Southern 24-3, in the twelve year competition history.

Marinos aided Trakes in leading the team with 13 kills and two service aces. FSC setter of the Week, Marissa Gonzales tallied 57 kills and four service aces. The Eagles continue FSC action on Saturday, September 8, at noon against Webber International in Lake Wales, Fla.

ERAU 26 30 30 28 15
WSU 30 24 13 30 9