BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Purple Eagles volleyball team (4-14, 2-7 MAAC) fell in straight sets to cross-town rival Canisius College (7-13, 5-4 MAAC), 30-28, 30-23, 30-25. The victory gives the Golden Griffins an early 2-0 lead in the second annual Battle of the Bridge competition.

Despite the loss, Niagara outhit Canisius .131 to .125, and produced six more kills (44-38). Head coach Susan Clements' bunch recorded 20 kills in the first set, and led 28-27, but the Griffs earned three straight points to take the set 30-28.

Junior Nicole Piette (Lockport, N.Y.) had a match-high 15 kills and hit .308 for the Purple Eagles. Senior Raelean Rush (Amherst, N.Y.) recorded her eighth double-double in nine MAAC contests with 12 kills and 16 digs.

Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.) had six blocks in the loss, while Mallory Boron (Lockport, N.Y.) dished out 37 assists.

The two teams will meet again for the final time of the season inside Gallagher Center, Sunday at 2 p.m.