Senior Erin Graham was one of two Purple Eagles named to the Trident Classic All-Tournament Team Saturday.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – With its fifth consecutive victory, the Niagara University volleyball team (5-1) broke the school record for best start to a season with a 3-0 (30-24, 30-20, 30-17) win over Delaware State (1-5) Saturday in the Trident Classic Tournament in Annapolis, Md.

The Purple Eagles’ 5-1 start bests the 1991 squad’s 4-1 record to open the season. Niagara’s five wins also ties the school record for longest winning steak. The 1993 team won five matches between Oct. 19 and Oct. 30.

In a match where head coach Rocco Lucci played all 15 Purple Eagles, senior outside hitter Stephanie Hopkins (Tonawanda, N.Y./Sweet Home) had a match-high 12 kills and seven digs. Classmate Erin Graham (Oakfield, N.Y.) had 10 kills and six digs. Senior setter Jennifer Hansford (Stratford, Ont.) had 21 assists and a match-high nine digs.

Graham and senior libero Micole Daluisio (Lancaster, N.Y./Lancaster) were named to the Trident Classic All-Tournament Team.

Niagara returns to action Sept. 13 when it travels down the I-190 to meet Big Four rival Buffalo at Alumni Arena at 7 p.m.