HARRISONBURG, Va.- Juniata nearly forced a fifth and deciding set against Eastern Mennonite but the Royals thwarted any comeback attempt as they held off the Eagles 3-1 (25-20, 25-17, 22-25, 27-25) on Friday night at Yoder Arena. The loss drops JC to 7-12 overall and 3-5 in the Continental Volleyball Conference while the Royals improve to 10-11 overall and 4-6 in the conference.

Quinn Peterson (Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge) led the JC offense with 16 kills. Quinn Looper (Houston, Texas/Episcopal) picked up 32 assists. Kyle Seeley (Ellicott City, Md./Howard) had nine kills, five assisted blocks, and three service aces. Brendan Smith (Fuquay Varina, N.C./Fuquay-Varina) tallied eight digs.

A 12-12 deadlock in the first set was broken up by a 6-0 EMU run. The Eagles hung with the Royals as they got to 18-15. EMU was at set point, 24-18, but JC added two points to make it 24-20. The Royals did get the final point they needed as they went on to take a 1-0 lead.

The Royals took a big 14-5 lead in the second set. Juniata was able to get as close as 21-15 but EMU outscored the Eagles 4-2 down the stretch take a 2-0 advantage in the match.

The third set was back and forth until the Eagles were able to take a 12-8 lead. The Royals crept back in and went ahead at one point 15-14. Another seesaw battle ensued with the frame tied at 19-19. JC was able to break away with a 6-3 run and won 25-22.

The fourth stanza was also closely fought. Juniata led 21-18 before EMU got off a 4-0 run to go up 22-21. The Eagles eventually got to 24-23 advantage and were one point away from forcing a fifth set. The Royals prevented that from happening as they went on a 4-1 run to end the frame and take the match.

Juniata travels to Arlington, Va. tomorrow for a CVC match with Marymount. Start time is at 6 p.m.