POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Niagara women's tennis team clipped defending MAAC champions Marist, 4-3, on Saturday.

Niagara (8-5, 2-0 MAAC) picked up its first win against Marist (2-1, 0-1 MAAC) in five attempts with the last win coming on April 18, 2009 in the MAAC Tournament semifinals.  The Purple Eagles were edged in two matches against the Red Foxes last season.

NU had to rally for the victory after losing the doubles point, despite a win in the two spot by Iva Celan and Maria Ortiz.

The Purple Eagles took a 2-1 lead with wins in No. 1 and 3 singles. Sarah Hellstern topped Karly Pang in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, and Paulina Velasquez defeated Callie Morlock, 6-2, 6-2, for her team-best 14th win of the season. After falling in two and six singles, NU tied the match at 3-3 when Iva Celan defeated Melissa Carlay in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

The match was decided in No. 3 singles as Maria Ortiz rallied to defeat Marielle Campbell, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, to clinch the match for the Purple Eagles.  

The Purple Eagles are back home next weekend to host newly-minted MAAC foe Monmouth on Saturday and Saint Peter's on Sunday.