PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Husson University women's volleyball team battled through a marathon match Friday night at Wieden Hall, earning a gritty five-set victory over the University of Maine–Presque Isle to remain unbeaten in North Atlantic Conference action.

Husson (3-11, 2-0 NAC) jumped out early behind the setting tandem of junior Janna Preskorn and freshman Peyton Hooker, who connected with junior Mikayla Gray and freshman Kate McPhee for key kills. The two teams traded points throughout the opening frame, with 13 ties and seven lead changes highlighting the set. A service ace from sophomore Amanda Mei Morse sealed the 25-23 win, giving the Eagles the early advantage.

The Owls (2-5, 0-1 NAC) regrouped and took control in the second, capitalizing on Husson's serving errors to build momentum. Despite kills from McPhee and graduate student Julia Leavitt, the Eagles couldn't find a rhythm as UMPI evened the match with a 25-17 victory.

Husson roared back with its most complete set of the night, hitting .269 and recording seven service aces. Leavitt made an instant impact off the bench, recording several kills in the frame, while senior Leah Peloquin and sophomore Jonna Travis each delivered timely aces during a 9-0 Husson run. The Eagles cruised to a 25-13 win to regain control of the match.

UMPI fought back in a tightly contested fourth set, taking advantage of Husson's miscues to extend the match. Leavitt and Gray combined for a handful of kills, but the Owls edged the Eagles 25-22 to force a winner-take-all fifth.

The final set belonged to Leavitt, who opened with four consecutive kills to set the tone. Husson built a 7-1 lead before the Owls clawed back late, but Peloquin's service ace and a final Gray kill secured the 15-13 clincher.

Leavitt led the Eagles with 12 kills, hitting .258 in just three sets of action. McPhee added eight kills, while Preskorn dished out 20 assists and Hooker chipped in 13. Defensively, Gray anchored the back row with a team-high 24 digs, followed by Morse with 21.

Husson tallied 14 service aces on the night, led by Peloquin with four, while maintaining a strong defensive presence with 78 digs.

The Eagles return to action on Tuesday when they host Bates College at 6:30 p.m.