Box Score 

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara Purple Eagles rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat the Siena Saints (21-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-11) on Saturday to move into sole possession of second place. 

“We played with a lot of heart today,” head coach Dottie Porch said. “The girls fought for every point and to come back from begin down two sets is a testament to how much we want to win. We played hard and I am very proud of them.”

Niagara (12-10, 9-3 MAAC) battled back from a 2-0 deficit and won the next three sets to avenge its conference opening loss to the Saints (15-10, 9-4 MAAC) on Sept. 15 in Loudonville, N.Y. The result moves Niagara a half game behind conference-leading Fairfield, who the Purple Eagles will again on Nov. 10.

The Purple Eagles dropped the first two sets, 25-21 and 25-22, respectively. Siena was buoyed by its match-high hitting percentage of .333 in the first set and needed a match-high 18 kills in the second set to hold on to win the second set.

NU scratched back into the match by taking the third set, 25-18. The Purple Eagles are known as an offensive team, but it was their defense that helped turn the match. Niagara tied a season-high with 12 blocks in the match, including having six block assists in the fourth set. NU held Siena to a match-low .032 hitting percentage en route to forcing the deciding set.

With the fifth set tied at 11-11, a kill by Ellen Senf sparked a 4-0 run as the Purple Eagles completed the comeback win. NU had six kills and committed zero attacking errors in the fifth set.

Kari Honomichl led the team with 17 kills and had 10 digs for her 12^th double-double of the season. Joining Honomichl in the double-double category was Michelle James with 38 assists and 16 digs for her sixth of the season. Senf finished with 11 kills and with eight block assists.  Taylor Edmonds finished with a career-high nine blocks (one solo and eight assists), which are the most since teammate Amanda Wilken had nine against Fairfield on Oct. 10, 2010.

The Purple Eagles, who concluded their homestand with a 4-1 record and have won three straight matches, are back on the road next weekend at Loyola and Rider.