LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Niagara Purple Eagles fell to the Rider Broncs in straight sets, 27-25, 25-18, 25-22, in their conference opener on Saturday.

The Purple Eagles (0-11, 0-1 MAAC) had their eight-match win streak against Rider (9-2, 1-0 MAAC) snapped.

Niagara had a chance to win the opening set. Trailing 21-18, NU battled back to take the lead and was serving for the set at 24-23 after a kill by Chelsea Watson. Rider would score the next two points before an attacking error locked the score at 25-25. After an attacking error tied the set at 25-25, the Broncs would then score the next two points to close out the set. Rider took the second set in part due to a 5-1 run with the Broncs leading 11-10. The third set saw Rider slowly pull away.

Amanda Sedore led Niagara in kills for the ninth time this season with nine in today's match and added eight digs. Freshman setter Emily Hopkins tied a game-high with 18 assists.

Niagara will face Saint Peter's on Sunday at 1 p.m.