NIAGARA UN., N.Y. – In her debut in the legendary Taps Gallagher Center, head coach Susan Clements earned her first victory at Niagara University. In front of 263 fans, including Clements’ parents, the Purple Eagles made it a special night for the first-year head coach, as Niagara (1-3) swept St. Francis (NY) (0-5), 30-14, 30-20, 30-16.

"I think your first win anywhere is special," Clements explained. "It is something that you will remember forever. I am just happy for the team, though. They have been working hard and deserve every bit of this."

The Purple Eagles hit .260 as a team with 43 kills and 37 assists. Seniors Raelean Rush (Amherst, N.Y.) and Maurin Lawrence (Corfu, N.Y.) led the way with double-digit kills, 11 and 10, respectively. Mallory Boron (Lockport, N.Y./Starpoint) dished out a game-high 37 assists in the sweep.

Junior Nicole Piette (Lockport, N.Y./Lockport) hit .250 with six kills and two digs. The outside hitter was all over the floor, picking up a team-high two block assists.

Freshman Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.) pitched in with eight kills while senior Lindsay Kriger (Yorkton, Sask.) had six. Sara Mancini (Lancaster, N.Y.) had a team-high 15 digs for Niagara.

"Nicole had an excellent game for us," Clements said. "She was really a force for us on the outside. Sara passed well tonight, too. It was a total team effort."

The victory was the first game of the six-game WNY Classic, held at the Gallagher Center. Niagara continues the action tomorrow at 7 p.m. against South Florida.

"It was great to get our home opener," Clements said. "It’s definitely a moral boost for us heading into tomorrow."