 Sam Morgan
|
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team's (16-6, 9-2 MAAC) win streak reached seven with its second-straight conference sweep on Sunday. The Purple Eagles bested Manhattan (6-15, 2-8 MAAC) at home with another dominating offensive performance, 25-19, 25-15, 25-20.
Niagara's offense has been on point in every match during the seven-match win streak, including Sunday's 47-kill performance. The Purple Eagles, who lead the MAAC in kills and assists, out hit the Jaspers .324 to .095, one day after outperforming Saint Peter's .343 to .094.
"Our sophomores and juniors have worked hard to become smarter hitters," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "Our team's ability to see the block and hit around it has been important, but the true key to our offense is our passing. This year we are passing at 95 percent, while last year want tried to get to 90 percent."
Sophomore Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) once again continued to dominate for NU with her offensive numbers. The outside hitter recorded a match-high 17 kills against just two errors for a .357 hitting percentage. She also picked up 11 digs for her 18th double-double of the season. During the seven-match win streak, Hedrick has 122 kills, a .291 hitting percentage, 84 digs and six double-doubles.
"Hannah has really stepped into a leadership role for us and she is a true go-to player," Clements added. "She gives us confidence and when she's playing well, we are at our best."
Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) distributed 39 assists while collecting 10 digs and a career-best four blocks. Classmate Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) improved her streak to 52 matches with a match-high 19 digs in the win.
Freshman Kari Honomichl (Petersburg, Mich.) added 12 kills against just one error for a .500 hitting percentage. She was also one of five players with at least two blocks. The rookie outside hitter attacked at a .444 clip during the weekend homestand, collecting 28 kills.
The Purple Eagles take their seven-match streak on the road next weekend with conference matches at Iona (Saturday) and Fairfield (Sunday).