Scoresheets

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara volleyball team was edged by the Rider Broncs, 25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 15-8, on Sunday.

The five-set defeat was Niagara's fourth this season and its second this weekend.

"We played a solid match as a team and once again challenged for the win," head coach Vilis Ozols said. "We played well offensively and suffered due to a few key skill lapses and errors. This team is working hard and improving."

For the second straight match, a Purple Eagle (2-21, 1-11 MAAC) set a career-high in kills. Sophomore Chelsea Watson recorded a match-high 18 kills to set a new career mark. Watson registered six of her 18 kills in the second set as she helped Niagara dig itself out of a 10-1 hole. The Purple Eagles surged back into the set with an 18-8 run and took the lead for good on an attacking error by Nicole Moorman.

With the match tied at 1-1, Rider (13-9, 4-7 MAAC) built a 20-10 lead in the third set en route to winning 25-17. Melissa McGwin shined for the Purple Eagles in the fourth set as she had six of her 12 kills in the set. Logan Rae closed out the set with consecutive aces. Rae led the match with four aces and recorded her second double-double of the season with a match-high 41 assists and 15 digs.

Amanda Sedore, who finished with 11 kills, scored the opening point of the fifth set, but Purple Eagles quickly fell behind 4-1. A kill by Rae brought NU to 5-4, but a 6-1 run by the Broncs created separation as they went on to win the set 15-8 to sweep the season series.

Niagara will embark on a four-match road swing starting on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Iona.