NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team (4-19, 2-9 MAAC) dropped a five set match to rival Canisius (14-6, 9-2 MAAC) on Wednesday, 21-25, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 15-9. The Purple Eagles won the first and third sets and outhit the Golden Griffins 61-47 in kills, but fell to 0-5 in five set matches.

"We had a ton of missed opportunities in the match," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "We weren't able to pass consistently to put our hitters in positive situations, but our blocking was much improved. Once we eliminated our errors we will be able to turn the corner and win in five sets."

The three freshmen attackers combined for 47 of Niagara's 61 kills. Holly Allgeier (Louisville, Ky.) had a team-high 17 kills, while Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) had 14. Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 16 kills and 17 digs.

Freshman setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) dished out 52 assists in the loss while recording a team-high 19 digs. It marked the fifth time that the rookie has 50-plus kills on the season.

The Purple Eagles hit the road this weekend for a pair of MAAC matches with Siena (Oct. 25) and Marist (Oct. 27).