NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Purple Eagles volleyball squad (7-17, 5-10 MAAC) celebrated senior day in style with a 3-1 victory over Marist (10-17, 6-9 MAAC) Saturday inside the Gallagher Center. The 2007 class contributed 37 kills, 55 assists, 51 digs and 10 total blocks in the win.

"It was nice to get a win against Marist, considering the last time we played them, we played our worst game of the year," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "It was extremely nice to have us play a well-played match, especially for our seniors. They really wanted to finish out the year strong, and it has been great to get a couple wins here of late."

Junior Nicole Piette (Lockport, N.Y.) helped the seniors pick up a win on their special day, pounding out a season-best 21 kills. It seemed everytime the Purple Eagles needed a crucial point, Piette provided the power. The outside hitter was able to slide back to her normal position with the return of freshman middle hitter Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.). Costello, who continues to lead the MAAC in blocked shots, returned after an illness to pick up a game-high seven blocks.

"It was really nice to have Nicole back on the outside and Lauren in the middle," Clements said. "Lauren's blocking takes us to another level defensively, and that allowed us to shift Nicole back to the outside."

Seniors Raelean Rush (Amherst, N.Y.) and Maurin Lawrence (Corfu, N.Y.) combined for 30 kills, 19 digs and six blocks in the win. Rush, an outside hitter, bested her classmate with with 16 kills to Lawrence 14, but the middle hitter produced a .344 attack percentage.

Senior setter Mallory Boron (Lockport, N.Y.) continued to pace the offense with her passing ability. Boron, who dished out 47 assists for the Purple Eagles, currently ranks fourth on Niagara's career assists record list with 2,217 career helpers. Her 826 total this season ranks sixth all-time.

Senior Sara Mancini (Lancaster, N.Y.) was also a big contributor from the back row in the victory. The libero had a game-high 19 digs and did not commit a service error. Her receiving against the Red Foxes was key to the big win.

"A lot of times back row players won't get the acknowledgements they deserve," Clements said. "Sara was a big player for us today."

"I really wanted to play well today," Mancini said. "I thought that this was our last chance to go all out and get a win, and I'm glad we did that today."

Senior Lindsay Kriger (Yorkton, Sask.) contributed in every statisitcal category for Niagara, and produced some big points when the team needed them the most. Kriger came up with a big-time block near the end of a game to help seal the win, and pounded out a key kill in the fourth game to help stave off the Marist comeback.

The Purple Eagles are back in action Sunday for their final home game of the season against Siena. Game time starts at 2 p.m.