POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Niagara volleyball team fell in straight sets to the Marist Red Foxes, 25-18, 26-24, 25-15, on Saturday night.

Melissa McGwin, the reigning MAAC Player of the Week, led the Purple Eagles (10-15, 7-8 MAAC) in kills for the fourth straight match as she finished with nine kills with a .364 hitting percentage. Alexis Gray recorded her 16th double-double of the season with a team-high 21 assists and added 11 digs. Rylee Hunt led the match with 23 digs. Nicole Matheis chipped in eight kills and 15 digs and Taylor Edmonds had seven block assists. 

Niagara was in search of its first sweep of Marist (18-9, 11-5 MAAC) since 2012 after downing the Red Foxes in four sets on Oct. 4.

The Purple Eagles opened the match leading 7-2; however, the Red Foxes followed with a 20-8 run en route to winning the set 25-18.  In the second set, Niagara again jumped out to an early advantage, leading 6-2. NU maintained the lead and was serving for the set at 24-23 when the Red Foxes scored three straight points to win the set. In the third set, Marist used a 7-0 run with the score tied at 4-4 and would win the set, 25-15.

The Purple Eagles will face Siena on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for volleyball updates at @NiagaraVB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.