NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team (3-18, 1-8 MAAC) jumped ahead 2-1 at home on Saturday, before the Rider Broncs (9-10, 2-7 MAAC) took the final two sets for the conference win. The Purple Eagles fell 18-25, 25-19, 15-25, 25-22, 15-10.

"I think our hitters, especially our middles, really performed well (Saturday)," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "We had a lot of bright spots, but we just need to eliminate our errors to play a complete game."

Freshman Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) continued her recent hot play. The middle blocker had 16 kills while attacking at a .483 clip. Fellow middle Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.) had 10 kills with a .218 hitting percentage.

Freshman Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) narrowly missed her fifth 50-assist game with 49 assists in the loss. It marked the second time this season that she had 49 helpers. Classmate Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 13 kills and 13 digs. Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) had a game-high 18 digs.

Niagara welcomes Loyola to the Gallagher Center on Sunday for a match beginning at noon.