Box Score 

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles knocked off previously conference unbeaten and archrival Canisius in four sets for their eighth straight victory in the series.

“We played very well,” head coach Dottie Porch said. “This is such a huge rivalry that it brings out the best in both teams. We look forward to playing them again next week.”

Niagara (8-9, 5-2 MAAC) registered a season-high in kills (51) in a four-set match en route to handing Canisius (9-8, 6-1 MAAC) its first MAAC loss of the season.

The Purple Eagles were once again led by the attacking duo of Ellen Senf and Kari Honomichl  who accounted for 29 of NU’s 51 kills. Senf led the match with 15 kills and NU with a .316 hitting percentage, while Honomichl grinded out 14 kills and 16 digs for her eighth double-double and her fourth straight. Honomichl also tied the program’s career record in service aces at 139 with a team-high three aces. 

Honomichl was especially crucial in the opening set when she scored four of NU’s last five points to win the set 25-22. Canisius tied the match at 1-1 in part to a .256 hitting percentage as NU hit a match-low .088.  

Niagara bounced back in the third set with a match-best hitting percentage (.265). Canisius cut NU’s lead to 20-18, but a kill by Honomichl helped spur NU to a 25-20 set win. NU opened the fourth set with a 10-3 run and withstood a late charge the Golden Griffins to close the match with a 25-18 fourth set win.

The Purple Eagles are back home next weekend to host Iona (Oct. 13) and Fairfield (Oct. 14).