NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team opened the 2009 fall season in style, with a straight-set victory over Coppin State on Saturday, 25-13, 25-17, 25-13.

Sophomores Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) each recorded 10 kills in the win, while Hedrick added 11 digs for her first double-double of the season. Bibler added a match-high three blocks in the win.

Freshmen Kara Honomichl (Petersburg, Mich.) and Amanda Wilken (Cincinnati, Ohio) made successful debuts for the Purple Eagles. Honomichl recorded nine kills, attacking at a team-high .389 clip.

Sophomore setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) had 31 assists, while classmate Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) had 10 digs and a match-best four service aces. Junior Shannon Ryan (Fairport, N.Y.) added three kills for Niagara.

The Purple Eagles (1-0) take on Providence (0-1) in the night cap of day one of the Niagara Invitational. The match begins at 6 p.m.