DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle Eagles (18-5, 15-0 conf.) suffered their fifth loss of the season on Wednesday evening to the Flagler Saints (18-8) in the second annual “Dig for the Cure,” match between the two schools. The proceeds from the gate and fundraising will go to the Breast Cancer Research fund.

The Eagles were backed by an excited and rowdy crowd, as ERAU's Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps ROTCs were in attendance for the 2009 Patriot Games during the "Dig Pink" match.

The Eagles' Abby Hall led the way to a first-set victory with her explosive play from the outside, tallying 10 kills and hitting .364, while Julia Frassetto was aggressive in the backrow, picking up 8 digs for the defense. Middle blocker Gloria Kemp went four-for-four and assisted in the dominant offensive play for the Eagles, which allowed ERAU to edge Flagler in set one, 29-27.

The Saints led for the majority of set two and were able to slowly pull away from the Eagles late in the set, increasing their margin of victory to seven. However, senior Savannah Trakes stepped to the serving line and pulled the Eagles within two (22-24), but a Flagler kill from outside hitter Katie Beale put the Saints at 25 on the scoreboard, ending the set at 22 for the Eagles.

The third set went to the Saints, as their defense stepped up and put a halt to the Eagle attack and won the set 25-18.

The final set ended with the Saints on top, 25-22, but the Eagles played an intense set, as Taylor Martin and Jordan Holcomb picked up four kills apiece and Hall led with five. The Eagles trailed late in the set at 20-22 and were unable to regain the lead, as Flagler's  Meg Weatherby notched two kills in the final two points for the Saints, closing out the set and match at 25-22.

Hall led all hitters with 25 kills, while also picking up 14 digs for the Eagles. Martin ended the night with 12 kills, while Holcomb added 11 kills and 18 digs. Adriana Vazquez racked up 41 assists and two aces in the loss. Frassetto notched a season-best 26 digs for the Eagles.

With the loss, the Eagles now stand at 18-5 and remain 15-0 in conference play. They will pack their bags and head to Livonia, Mich. for the Crusader Classic, hosted by Madonna University, before heading back to the ICI Center to wrap up conference play against SCAD, Edward Waters, and Southeastern.