LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles fell at first place Siena in four sets, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-15, on Sunday in their final regular season road match of the season.

Nicole Matheis led the Purple Eagles (10-16, 7-9 MAAC) with 19 kills and 20 points while adding nine digs. Alexis Gray paced the NU offense with 30 assists and added 10 digs for her 17th double-double of the season. Rylee Hunt was again led the entire match in digs, finishing with 23.

Niagara was ought to spoil Siena's senior day while also splitting the season series in the process. The Purple Eagles took the opening set; but the Saints (16-10, 12-4 MAAC) behind three players in double-digit kills and a 50-assist, 22-dig performance by Haley Howell, rallied to win the next three sets.

NU trailed 20-15 in the first set before reeling off seven straight points for a 22-20 lead. After Siena tied the set at 22-22, the Purple Eagles scored three of the next four points capped off by a kill by McGwin to win the set.

After Siena tied the match at 1-1, the Saints pulled away late to take the third set. With the set tied at 18-18, went on a 7-2 run to wrap up the set. Siena never trailed in the fourth set en route to closing the match with a 25-15 fourth set win.

The Purple Eagles wrap up their regular season next weekend with two crucial matches which will determine if they qualify for the six-team MAAC Tournament. Niagara hosts Saint Peter's on Saturday and Rider on Sunday.

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