Live Stats | Live Video

The Niagara volleyball team starts a five-match homestand this weekend when the Purple Eagles meet Marist on Saturday and Siena on Sunday.

Purple Points

• The Purple Eagles are 7-2 in their last nine matches and recently had their five-match win streak snapped in a defeat at Rider on Oct. 23.
• Niagara is 5-0 at home this season for its best home start since winning eight straight in 2011. The Purple Eagles have won eight straight at home dating back to last season.
• NU is 7-4 in the MAAC and is currently in fourth place, a half-game behind Marist. Niagara's 7-4 start through 11 matches is its best since 2012 (7-4).
• On Oct. 23 at Rider, Alexis Gray recorded 24 assists and 10 digs for her team-leading ninth double-double of the season. Rylee Hunt continued her streak of double-digit digs to 22 straight matches, after tacking in a match-high 22 digs in the loss to Rider. Nicole Mathies logged in 10 kills in the match at Rider, making it her thirteenth match of the season with double-digit kills. 

Record Watch

• Libero Rylee Hunt is now third all-time in career digs (1,486) after passing Hannah Hedrick ('11) in the loss at Rider.
• Alexis Gray is currently third all-time for the Purple Eagles in service aces (131), and sits eight away from tying Tammy Greek for second all-time.
• Alex Stone rests third all-time in total blocks (379), and is 33 away from tying Greek for second all-time.

Ace Up Their Sleeve

• The Purple Eagles continue to strive in the nation in service aces, as they're ranked 11th in the NCAA with 151 team service aces.
• Alexis Gray is ranked seventh in service aces in the NCAA, logging a total 42 service aces on the season.

MAAC Standouts

• Alexis Gray leads the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in service aces (42), with an average of 0.49 service aces per set, as well as ranks sixth in assists (643), averaging 7.56 assist per set
• Purple Eagles Nicole Matheis and Madison May have consistently sat in the top 10 in the MAAC in kills. Matheis ranks sixth (244) with an average of 3.05 kills per set, and May ranks eighth (242) with an average of 2.85 kills per set.
• Alex Stone rests at fourth in the MAAC in total blocks (77), with an average of 0.91 blocks per set. Libero Rylee Hunt sits at fourth as well in digs (354), averaging 4.43 digs per set.

Across The Net: Marist Red Foxes (9-14, 8-4 MAAC)

• Niagara is 23-14 all-time against Marist.
• The Purple Eagles are in search for their first home win against the Red Foxes since 2014.
• The Red Foxes rank second in the MAAC in assists per set (11.51) and digs per set (14.98).
• Leaders: kills per set - Megan Fergus (2.73), assists per set - Taylor vander Biezen (6.66), blocks per set - Ashton Korona (0.88).

Across The Net: Siena Saints (6-16, 5-7 MAAC)

• Niagara is 14-27 all-time against Siena.
• The Purple Eagles are looking for their first home win against the Saints since 2012.
• Siena ranks third in the MAAC in digs per set (14.64).
• Leaders: kills per set - Briana Flagg (3.17), assists per set - Haley Howell (8.38), blocks per set - Sam Pethokoukis (0.88).

 
Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for volleyball updates at @NiagaraVB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.