BUFFALO, N.Y. – For the first time in 30 matches, the volleyball team (2-5) defeated the University at Buffalo (1-8) inside Alumni Arena, Wednesday, 25-30, 30-17, 22-30, 32-30, 15-10. Since the Purple Eagles had to suffer through 21 years, five sets didn’t seem to matter one bit.

Niagara faced two match points in the fourth game, but fought from behind to force a fifth and deciding set. In the final set, the Bulls jumped out to a 6-2 lead before the Purple Eagles rebounded to outscore UB 13-4 for the win.

"This feels incredible," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "We came in with a game plan tonight and we stuck to it. We served well and we passed the best that we have all year. It was a total team effort."

Senior Maurin Lawrence (Corfu, N.Y.) had 17 kills and a .419 attack percentage while classmate Raelean Rush (Amherst, N.Y.) had a match-high 18 kills and a team-high 18 digs.

Facing their first match point of the night, the Purple Eagles knotted the score at 29-29 with a kill from Rush. UB’s Maria Mezzadri gave the Bulls a 30-29 lead, but a pair of Mezzadri attack errors gave Niagara a 31-30 lead. With the momentum in the Purple Eagles’ favor, senior Lindsay Kriger (Yorkton, Sask.) and freshman Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.) blocked Kelsey Lueders for the 32-30 win, forcing the decisive fifth set. Kriger also had a career-high eight service aces in the victory.

Senior Mallory Boron (Lockport, N.Y./Starpoint) dished out 52 assists to pair up with nine digs. Costello and junior Nicole Piette (Lockport, N.Y./Lockport) pitched in with nine kills.

"We were very focused," Clements added, "and even trailing 2-1, I felt very confident with our quickness."