FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Niagara volleyball team (17-7, 10-3 MAAC) took the first two sets at Fairfield (14-10, 11-1 MAAC) on Sunday, but had its program-best win streak snapped at eight matches in a five-set loss to the Stags, 15-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-6.

"It was a disappointment to lose, but we are going to use this loss to prepare and move forward quickly for next weekend," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said.

After dominating their way through the first two sets, the Purple Eagles were 10 points away from extending their streak and moving into first place in the league with a 15-11 lead. However, Fairfield stormed back to take 14 of the next 19 points to steal momentum and eventually the match.

Niagara computed 13 kills and a .423 hitting percentage in the first set, while adding 12 kills in the second set. The Fairfield offense then stole the show, including a nine kill, zero error effort in the fifth set.

Sophomore Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) totaled 16 kills and 11 digs for her 20th double-double of the season. She was also one of five Purple Eagles with at least three blocks, adding four stuffs and four assists. Freshman Kari Honomichl (Petersburg, Mich.) added 15 kills to just three errors for a .364 hitting percentage.

Sophomore Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded another double-double with 37 assists and 10 digs. Classmate Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) chipped in with a match-high 23 digs.

Middle blockers Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) and Amanda Wilken (Cincinnati, Ohio) each had seven kills in the loss. Bibler totaled six blocks while Wilken recorded four.

The Purple Eagles return home for a pair of weekend matches against Loyola (Oct. 31) and Rider (Nov. 1).