NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara volleyball team (8-5, 1-1 MAAC) fell behind early against Iona (3-9, 0-2 MAAC), but relied on the strength of its middle blockers to rebound and earn its first MAAC win of the season on Sunday, 3-1. Kathy Bibler (Bowling Green, Ohio) and Amanda Wilken (Cincinnati, Ohio) combined for 21 kills in the victory, 20-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21.

"We wanted to get our middles going in transition (Sunday)," Niagara head coach Susan Clements said. "Our passing and digging were efficient enough to give Kathy the opportunity to control the match."

Bibler was the star of the match, recording 11 kills without committing an error. After dropping the first set, the Purple Eagles looked to the sophomore middle to change the match's momentum. With NU trailing 17-10 in the second set, Bibler keyed a 10-0 run that pushed Niagara into the winner's column. She collected four kills and a block during the pivotal swing.

Wilken also dominated the middle for NU, matching her career high in kills with 10. She collected two blocks in the win while Bibler added three, including one solo effort.

Hannah Hedrick (Cincinnati, Ohio) led the way with her 11th double-double in 13 matches. The sophomore outside hitter pounded out a match-high 17 kills to go with 18 digs. Michelle James (Cincinnati, Ohio) also recorded a double-double with 43 assists and 11 digs. Sam Morgan (Cincinnati, Ohio) advanced her MAAC-best double-digit dig streak to 43 matches with a match-best 28 digs in the win.

Juniors Shannon Ryan (Fairport, N.Y.) and Rebecca Suchy (Lancaster, N.Y.) also chipped in to the winning effort. Ryan collected 13 digs while Suchy added four kills.

The Purple Eagles return to conference action on Saturday at Manhattan at 11 a.m.