AMHERST, N.Y. – The Niagara volleyball team fell in straight sets (25-14, 25-13, 25-21) to crosstown rival Buffalo in its season opener on Friday.

Today's match was a first for several Purple Eagles (0-1), who have no seniors on the squad, including the first match as a head coach for Vilis Ozols. Buffalo, which has six seniors on its team, made things difficult for Niagara in the first match of the UB Invite.

UB (1-0) jumped out to an early 12-2 lead in the first set. NU worked itself back into the set to trail 19-12 behind kills from Logan Rae and Amanda Sedore, who combined for five kills in the set. The Bulls would score six of the next eight points to close out the set.  

Niagara held a brief lead early in the second set and was tied with the Bulls at 7-7 before UB went on a 15-4 run to take a commanding lead en route to winning the set 25-13. After trailing 5-0 to start the third set, Niagara rallied to cut lead to 11-10. UB led 22-17 when NU pulled with two at 23-21.  However, UB used its experience to navigate through Niagara's charge to win the set and to finish the match.

Freshman Emily Hopkins was one assist and one dig away from a double-double. She led Niagara with nine assists and nine digs. Sedore led Niagara with six kills.

Niagara continues play at the UB Invite on Saturday with matches against Temple at 3 p.m. and Buffalo at 7 p.m.