NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara volleyball team defeated the Rider Broncs in straight sets, 25-17, 25-18, 25-14, in its MAAC home opener on Saturday afternoon.

“We were able to control the tempo of the match and kept them (Rider) on the defensive,” head coach Susan Clements said.

Six Purple Eagles (7-8, 2-1 MAAC) had at least four kills, with Kari Honomichl leading the team with seven; Amanda Wilken, Kathy Bibler and Michelle James all had six kills.

NU’s up-tempo scheme forced 18 Broncs (1-11, 0-3 MAAC) errors and held them to a .053 attacking percentage. Niagara had a .269 attacking percentage and hit its peak with a sparkling .441 percentage in the third set en route to closing the match with a 25-14 score.

Sam Morgan extended her NCAA-best double-digit digs streak to 77 matches with a 20-dig effort to lead the match.  James had a game-high of 23 assists and has had at least 20-plus assists in every match this season.

Niagara will host the Loyola Greyhounds on Sunday at 1 p.m.