NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - A pair of freshmen helped the Niagara volleyball team (10-6, 3-2 MAAC) earn a 3-1 victory over four-time defending MAAC Champion Siena (5-8, 3-2 MAAC) on Saturday. The Purple Eagles earned their first win over the Saints since the 2004 season, 27-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22.

"This is the biggest conference win that we have had as a program since I have been here," third-year head coach Susan Clements said. "Our freshmen stepped up big time, and it was key that our serving continuously kept them out of their system."

Rookie attackers Kari Honomichl (Petersburg, Mich.) and Amanda Wilken (Cincinnati, Ohio) combined for 34 kills and five blocks in the win. Honomichl pounded out a match-high 23 kills while hitting .378. Wilken had 11 kills and hit .409, but it was her defense that keyed the victory. The freshman middle blocker totaled four solo blocks, two on two-time MAAC Player of the Year Burgandy McCurty.

"Our freshmen carried us in the first two sets, really setting the tone," Clements added. "Amanda provided shut-down defense while Kari was tremendous on offense."

Honomichl had seven kills alone in the first set, in which NU pulled away late for a 23-18 advantage before holding off the league's top team 27-25. The Purple Eagles claimed the first set on a kill by Honomichl.

Sophomore setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded 50 assists for the second time this season, and 10th time in her career. Classmate Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) was also solid, recording her 13th double-double of the season with 17 kills and 15 digs. James also added 10 digs for a double-double.

Sophomore libero Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) tallied 13 digs in the win, extending her double-digit dig streak to 46 matches, the third-longest current streak in the nation.

The victory gives Niagara its 10th win of the season for the second time since 1998. The Purple Eagles return to action on Sunday when they host Marist (3-2 MAAC) at 2 p.m.