NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The volleyball team (3-11, 1-4 MAAC) dropped a straight-set match at home to Saint Peter’s (4-14, 2-4 MAAC), Saturday, 29-31, 28-30, 26-30. Unforced errors and sloppy play doomed the Purple Eagles from the start.

Four student-athletes posted at least eight kills, led by senior Raelean Rush (Amherst, N.Y.). The outside hitter recorded her fifth double-double in as many conference games with team-highs of 15 kills and 20 digs.

The Peahens stormed out to an early advantage in the first set. Niagara fought back to tie the score at 29-29, but Saint Peter’s got the serve back and won the set on a Purple Eagle attacking error.

The second set seemed to be all Niagara, as Susan Clements’ crew jumped out to a 27-22 lead thanks to the blocking combination of freshman Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.), the MAAC’s leading blocker, and Rush. The duo combined for 11 blocks in the loss. After a Saint Peter’s timeout, the Peahens went on a 8-1 run to steal the second game from the Purple Eagles. Saint Peter’s attacked at a game-high .140 percentage in the third set to complete the sweep.

Senior Maurin Lawrence (Corfu, N.Y.) had nine kills while hitting at a .214 clip. Costello and junior Nicole Piette (Lockport, N.Y.) each had eight kills for Niagara. Senior Mallory Boron (Lockport, N.Y.) handed out 43 assists in the loss.

The Purple Eagles continue their short home stand Sunday with a 2 p.m. contest against Manhattan.