LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - The Niagara University volleyball team faced a difficult test on the road against a formidable Rider Broncs opponent. Niagara kept every set close, but fell 3-1 (25-16, 21-25, 20-25, 21-25).

"Our team played at both ends of the spectrum today," head coach Vilis Ozols said. "That first set was one of the better that we had played in terms of offensive efficiency,  defensive intensity and serving toughness. Our challenge will be to maintain that intensity of performance level regardless of what is happening on the other side of the net. If we are able to do that consistently, the results will be pretty fun to watch."

Middle blockers Melissa McGwin and Alex Stone led the attack with 13 and 12 kills, respectively. Alexis Gray registered 33 assists and 17 digs for her team-leading 10th double-double of the season, and had a team-leading five aces. Five Purple Eagles had double figures in digs, led by Rylee Hunt's match-high 24. 

The Purple Eagles (6-12, 3-5 MAAC) statistically dominated the first set with a .325 hitting percentage (15 kills, two errors) and an 87 percent sideout which both were match-bests. However, the set was tight throughout until NU closed out the set on a 12-3 run. The first-place Broncs (13-10, 8-1 MAAC) bounced back and won the next three sets. 

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

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