ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The UNC Pembroke volleyball team took the first set from Seton Hill in the opening contest of the Eckerd Classic Tournament, but the Griffins came back to win the next three sets for the 3-1 win, before the Braves fell to Eckerd in three sets on Friday inside the McArthur Center.

The Braves (1-7) had set scores of 25-20, 19-25, 22-25, 18-25 with Seton Hill (5-0) and scores of 12-25, 15-25, 18-25 with Eckerd (3-1).

In the opening matchup of the day, the Braves attacked the first set and hit .379 with 13 kills to take the lead, however Seton Hill posted 17 kills in set two and out-hit UNCP to even up the contest. Despite controlling a better hitting percentage in set three, the Black and Gold gave up a close set and Seton Hill finished out the contest taking set four. UNCP finished the game with 43 kills and 55 digs along with seven team blocks, while the Griffins hit .256 overall.

Eckerd jumped out to a quick lead UNCP's second contest of the tournament and captured all three sets after hitting .402 overall. The Braves notched 20 kills and 31 digs compared to Eckerd's 42 kills and 39 digs. 

The Braves will be back in action on Saturday for the second day of the Eckerd Classic Tournament with a 10 a.m. matchup against West Liberty (2-3) and a 5:30 p.m. battle against Colorado Christian (2-3) in St. Petersburg, Fla.