NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team (7-5, 0-1 MAAC) dropped its first game of conference play to Fairfield (3-8, 1-0 MAAC) on Saturday, 21-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-16.

The Stags committed 17 service errors, but out hit Niagara 60 kills to 40 and .298 attack percentage to .147.

"We weren't able to get our offense going because of a lack of communication on our blocking," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "That also caused our defense to be out of system."

Sophomores Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) and Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) both recorded 12 kills in the loss. Bibler was impressive on both ends, attacking at a .300 clip and collecting a game-high four blocks. Hedrick recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 18 digs.

Sophomore setter Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) totaled 31 assists while Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) added 17 digs.

The Purple Eagles return to action on Sunday at home against Iona at 2 p.m.