PHILADELPHIA – The Niagara volleyball team started its 2010 season with a convincing straight-set victory over the Hartford Hawks, 25-12, 25-20, 25-17, in the first game of the La Salle Invitational on Friday afternoon.

“The win today is a good opening to the season,” head coach Susan Clements said. “We were able to see where our improvements will need to be competitive. Our blocking and serving were very strong for us and overall we were able to step up when necessary.”

Niagara (1-0) dominated the match from the start en route to winning the first set, 25-12, with a .483 attacking percentage. The Purple Eagles continued their strong attacking start with a .481 attacking percentage in the second set. Midway through set two, freshman Ellen Senf broke the 14-14 tie with the Hawks (0-1) and NU went on to win, 25-20. In the third set, the Purple Eagles sprinted to a 12-3 lead and never looked back.

Junior Hannah Hedrick led the Purple Eagles with 11 kills and added eight digs. Sophomore Amanda Wilken recorded nine kills and senior Shannon Ryan had eight kills along with Senf. Reigning MAAC Setter of the Year and 2010 MAAC Co-Player of the Year Michelle James started where she left off last season, dishing out a game-high 34 assists.  Junior Sam Morgan continued her NCAA-best double-digit digs streak with 11; she has recorded double-digit digs in all 63 matches she has played in.

Niagara resumes play at the La Salle Invitational against the hosts on Saturday at 10 a.m. and concludes play versus Valparaiso at 4 p.m.