AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University volleyball team could not get back in the win column Wednesday night, falling in straight sets to the Keiser University Seahawks at Donahue Gym. The Gyrenes were competitive in all three sets with the Seahawks, but the visitors continually put together runs at the right times to earn a season split with the Gyrenes, who won in five sets in West Palm Beach last month.

Keiser grabbed control of the match early, claiming a 25-19 win in the opening set. The Seahawks took the lead at 3-2 and never relinquished it, racing out to an early 8-4 lead. After the Gyrenes closed the gap to 10-8, the Seahawks responded with a 7-1 run, opening up a 17-9 lead and essentially putting the Gyrenes away. AMU would get as close as four points, but a Brooklynn Slater kill closed out the set and gave Keiser the early edge.

The early portion of the second set was back-and-fourth, but another Keiser run allowed the Seahawks to open up a lead. Keiser scored six straight points after falling behind 6-5, opening up a 11-6 lead. AMU would never lead again, although the Gyrenes did rally to within 20-19 late in the set. Keiser then ended the set on a 5-1 run, with a kill from Sydney Wattles closing out a 25-20 victory.

In the third set, it was Ave Maria that jumped out to a lead. AMU held a 10-5 lead, as the Gyrenes looked to force a fourth set with the visitors from West Palm Beach. However, Keiser was able to rally, closing the gap and then going point-for-point with the Gyrenes. With the set tied at 22, Keiser won the final three points of the night, finishing off a 25-22 victory and the sweep.

Zelie Kessler had a productive night at the net for the Gyrenes, logging nine kills and a .500 attack percentage in the losing effort. Ryan Getz neared triple-double territory, ending the match with 17 assists, eight digs and six kills, as well as team-high three blocks. Hannah Jones was the lone Gyrene in double figures in digs, ending the match with ten. 

The Gyrenes will look to end their current two-match skid Saturday afternoon. Ave Maria will head across Alligator Alley for a meeting with the Lions of Florida Memorial University. AMU will be looking to avenge a September loss to the Lions, and move closer to locking up a spot in the postseason for the fifth year in a row. Opening serve from the FMU Wellness Center in Miami Gardens is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.