FULLERTON, Calif. – The Bushnell volleyball team dropped a pair of gut-wrenching matches on Friday in five sets, suffering their first two defeats of the season as they compete for the first time in the Hope International University Summer Slam.
 
Embry-Riddle 3, Bushnell 2 (25-23, 15-25, 24-26, 26-24, 17-15)
 
The Beacons had their opportunities in the opener, but couldn't put everything together as unforced errors allowed the Eagles to hang around. Just when all seemed to be okay, holding a 13-7 lead in the fifth set, ERAU came roaring back to score ten of the final 12 points and steal the victory.
 
Bushnell out-hit the Eagles .171 to .147 with a 66-50 advantage in kills and an 85-74 margin in digs. 11 service errors were costly, as was Embry-Riddle's 12-6 lead in blocking.
 
Leah Agost and Amyah Semau led the way for the Beacons as they each posted double-doubles. Agost collected 15 kills and a career-high 22 digs, hitting .351. Semau, meanwhile, posted 15 kills and 15 digs, adding a team-high three blocks.
 
Hailey Heider added 20 digs and a match-high six service aces in the loss while Emma Fa'alogo led all players with 33 assists.
 
#22 The Master's 3, Bushnell 2 (25-19, 20-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-5)
 
In their first of what will be many encounters with NAIA Top-25 ranked teams this season, the Beacons again held a two-sets-to-one lead, but were unable to seal the deal.
 
Official statistics are not yet available for this contest.
 
The Beacons close out the HIU Summer Slam on Saturday with two more matches, taking on Benedictine-Mesa at 8:00 am before facing the tournament hosts at 2:00 pm.