Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Niagara Purple Eagles fell in straight sets (27-25, 25-18, 25-22) to first place Fairfield on Saturday.

The setback eliminates a chance for NU (15-12, 12-5 MAAC) to repeat as three-time conference regular season champions.  The outcome of the match could have been much different for the Purple Eagles, if they would have survived the opening set.

Trailing 15-10, a kill by Ellen Senf spurred a 5-0 run to tie the match. Both teams were point-for-point and a NU took a 25-24 from a kill by Senf. However, Fairfield (19-8, 14-3 MAAC) reeled off three straight points to take the set, 27-25.

“We played well in the first set, but lost momentum and couldn’t get our energy back,” head coach Dottie Porch said.

The Purple Eagles were unable to regain momentum for the rest of the match. NU was down 6-1 early in the second set and eventually lost 25-18. Niagara held a slender lead in the third set, 15-14, but the Stags closed out the match strong.

Amanda Wilken led NU in kills with 11 while classmate Kari Honomichl had 10 kills and 13 digs for her team-leading 16th double-double of the season. Michelle James also recorded a double-double with 27 assists and 13 digs.

Niagara closes out its regular season with a match at Iona on Sunday at 2 p.m.