Box Score HAMDEN, Conn. – The Niagara volleyball team used a balanced effort to sweep the Quinnipiac Bobcats, 25-22, 25-22, 25-15, on Sunday to collect its first conference win of the season.

"The team played a very solid match to earn this win," head coach Vilis Ozols said. "They performed well in a number of key areas, including serving, passing and blocking, where we had great results."

The Purple Eagles (2-17, 1-7 MAAC) played one of their best matches this season on offense and defense en route to snapping their five-match losing streak. Niagara had a season-high .242 hitting percentage while its 11 blocks are the second most this season. The Purple Eagles improve to 3-0 all-time against Quinnipiac (4-15, 2-5 MAAC), who were playing for the first time as conference foes.

The Purple Eagles rally in the first set change the outcome of the match. NU trailed a 7-2 lead, but later tied the match at 15-15. A kill by Alex Stone tied the match at 20-20 as the Purple Eagles soon led 24-22. Melissa McGwin, who led Niagara with 11 kills, closed out the set with a kill.

A couple of aces were a part of a 9-3 opening to the second set for Niagara. Leading 18-17, the Purple Eagles reeled off five straight points to create cushion as they held off the Bobcats. NU cruised in the third set. With the scored tied at 6-6, the Purple Eagles went on a blistering 10-1 run. Niagara had a match-best .400 hitting percentage in the set.

Niagara will face Fairfield on Sunday at 1 p.m.