FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Niagara volleyball team (3-13, 1-4 MAAC) fell in three sets in a road conference match to the top team in the MAAC on Saturday. Fairfield (7-9, 5-0 MAAC) defeated the Purple Eagles, 25-17, 25-23, 27-25.

The NU defense was unable to keep Katie Mann in check, as the Stag middle had 17 kills and one error on the afternoon. Overall, Fairfield outhit the Purple Eagles .198 to .108.

"Despite our team's great day of serving," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said, "we were not able to stop their middle attack. They are a very solid team in this conference."

Freshman setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) achieved a double-double with 29 assists and 17 digs in the loss. She also added three kills and one service ace. Classmate Holly Allgeier (Louisville, Ky.) had nine kills while Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) added eight.

The Purple Eagles return to action on Sunday at Saint Peter's for a noon start.