EASTON, Pa. - The Niagara volleyball team fell in the first match of the Lehigh-Lafayette Crosstown Challenge on Friday, losing to Lafayette, 25-18, 27-25, 17-25, 27-25. Despite outhitting the Leopards .182 to .153 and 55 kills to 49, the Purple Eagles fell to 5-4.

Sophomore setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded 46 assists and 11 digs in the loss. Classmate Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) also recorded a double-double, marking the eighth time in nine matches that she's done that, chipping in with 12 kills and a match-high 19 digs. Freshman Kari Honomichl (Petersburg, Mich) added a match-high 18 kills to go along with nine digs.

The Purple Eagle middles again did the bulk of the heavy lifting for head coach Susan Clements. Sophomore Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) had 11 kills and three blocks, while freshman Amanda Wilken (Cincinnati, Ohio) totaled five kills and two blocks.

"It was a very disappointing defeat," Clements said. "We need to find a way to finish matches when we have the opportunity and be ready to compete at all times."

Sophomore Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) tallied 18 digs to push her double-digit dig streak to 39 matches. Junior Shannon Ryan (Fairport, N.Y.) added five kills and 13 digs.

The Purple Eagles continue the Crosstown Challenge against Providence and Lehigh on Saturday.