Senior Stephanie Hopkins had a match-high 18 kills Saturday.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Despite a match-high 18 kills by senior Stephanie Hopkins (Tonawanda/Sweet Home), the Niagara University women’s volleyball team suffered its first loss in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action, a 30-28, 30-28, 30-27 loss to Iona Saturday afternoon at the Gallagher Center. The loss snapped Niagara’s school-record seven-match win streak.

Iona, which improved to 8-15 overall and 3-0 in league play, was led by Miki Hogg’s 14 kills and six block assists. Iona had nine total team blocks in the match.

Senior Erin Graham (Oakfield, N.Y.) had 10 kills and 14 digs for the Purple Eagles, now 12-6 overall and 2-1. Classmate Micole Daluisio (Lancaster/Lancaster) had 16 digs while Hopkins added 13.

The Gaels used a 4-0 run to take a 27-21 lead in the first game. The Purple Eagles rallied behind three kills from Hopkins to make it 28-27. Megan Dailey’s kill gave Iona a 29-27 lead before a Niagara hitting error ended the game.

After Niagara opened leads of 5-0 and eventually 16-12, Iona ran off six-straight points for an 18-16 lead in game two. The teams traded runs as Iona built a 28-26 advantage. Hopkins had two kills to bring Niagara within one, 29-28, but Kristin Allain’s kill down the middle gave Iona the win.

Both teams again traded scoring runs in the third game. Iona ran out to a 16-12 lead before Niagara caught fire and took the lead, 19-17, after two kills each by Hopkins and senior Karen Simpson (Rochester/Gates-Chili). Iona rebounded to take a 28-24 lead. Hopkins once again had two kills to bring Niagara back, making the score 29-27. However, Dailey’s kill just between two defenders ended the match.

Niagara faces Fairfield Sunday at noon at the Gallagher Center in MAAC action.