NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team (11-6, 4-2 MAAC) continued its hot play with a sweep of Marist (8-9, 3-3 MAAC) on Sunday at the 'Taps' Gallagher Center. The victory marks the first conference weekend sweep for the Purple Eagles since the 2005 season.

"This was a huge weekend for us, knowing that Siena and Marist routinely contend for the conference championships," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "(Sunday) we proved that we could also be a contender in this league."

The Purple Eagles built momentum in a Saturday's victory over four-time MAAC Champion Siena and carried that into Sunday's matchup against Marist. Niagara dominated the first two sets (25-16, 25-12) before deflecting every chance of a Red Fox comeback in the third set, 25-21.

"Our focus was to string a Saturday and Sunday together, and we did that today," Clements added. "However, we can't allow these wins to make us relax because we have another tough road test next weekend."

Sophomore Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) had a dominating performance against Marist, collecting 18 kills to just two errors, attacking at a .533 clip. She also chipped in with 10 digs for her 14th double-double in 17 matches this season, while tying a career-high with five service aces in the win.

The Purple Eagles outhit the Red Foxes .273 to .129, and 40 kills to 28. In the first set, NU totaled 16 kills, and in the second set, Niagara had 11 kills to just a pair of errors. Niagara also totaled nine service aces, while Marist collected nine service errors.

Sophomore setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) paced the attack with 32 assists, eight digs and four kills in four attempts. Classmate Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) had 12 digs and four assists for NU.

The Purple Eagle middles combined for 10 kills and a .364 hitting percentage. Sophomore Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) had six kills and two blocks, while rookie Amanda Wilken (Cincinnati, Ohio) added four kills and three blocks.

The Purple Eagles hit the road for a weekend series against Rider (Oct. 10) and Loyola (Oct. 11).