NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team (0-3) fell in straight sets to Sacred Heart (1-2) and Southern Illinois (3-0) on the second day of the Niagara Labor Day Invitational. The Pioneers defeated the Purple Eagles 25-18, 25-19, 25-12 in the morning session, while the Salukis pulled away 25-11, 25-19, 25-9.

Errors plagued the young Purple Eagles, as they had a .000 hitting percentage and seven service errors to zero aces in the loss against Sacred Heart. Niagara had 23 attack errors against SIU in the evening match.

"Today was a difficult challenge for our young squad," head coach Susan Clements said. "To bounce back from such an emotional match (Friday) was going to be difficult, however, we had spurts of promise.

Freshmen Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) paced Niagara in defeat. James collected 27 assists (13, 14) while Hedrick posted a team-high 13 kills (5, 8). Sophomore Lauren Costello (Webster, N.Y.) had five blocks. Freshman Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) posted a team-best 25 digs (12, 13).

As a whole, we have to be patient and learn from this weekend," Clements said.

The Purple Eagles return to action next weekend at the UMBC Tournament, facing Duquesne, UMBC and UMES.