Box Score

LOUNDONVILLE, N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles opened their conference campaign with a 3-1 setback at Siena on Saturday.

The three-time defending conference champions officially started its run for another MAAC title today against one of its biggest adversaries. Niagara has won 42 of its last 45 matches against conference opponents, with all three defeats coming against Siena.

“Not the way we wanted to begin the conference season,” head coach Dottie Porch said. “We did a lot of good things, but could not capitalize on our opportunities and mentally finishing the game.”

Niagara (3-7) opened the first set by taking an early 5-1 lead. However with the set tied at 10-10, Siena (6-6) went on a 12-4 run on its way to winning the first set 25-17.

The Purple Eagles bounced back in the second set to tie the match at 1-1. A close set was broken open with the scored tied at 20-20. A kill by Ellen Senf was the first of four straight points as NU won the set 25-21.

The pivotal third set was tight throughout. Niagara trailed 20-15 before rallying to take a 23-22 lead after a kill by freshman Taylor Edmonds, who finished the match with a career-high seven kills.  Siena regained the lead and had two set points, but Niagara answered to tie the set each time. The Saints, though, recorded consecutive kills to edge the Purple Eagles 27-25.

Siena rode the momentum into the fourth set and with the score tied at 11-11, the Saints reeled off a 14-2 run to close out the match.

Kari Honomichl led Niagara with 10 kills and had 12 digs for her fourth double-double of the season.

Niagara faces Marist on Sunday at 2 p.m.