NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – For the second day in a row, the Niagara Purple Eagles defeated a MAAC opponent at the Gallagher Center, securing a three-set, 25-15, 25-21, 25-18 victory over the Quinnipiac University Bobcats on Sunday. The Purple Eagles are 2-0 in the MAAC for the first time since 2011.
 
Niagara (5-7, 2-0 MAAC) took the first two sets over the Fairfield Stags on Saturday before losing the next two sets and winning the decisive fifth set. After the Purple Eagles won the first two again on Sunday, there were no setbacks in the third. Niagara powered its way through the final set against Quinnipiac (1-12, 0-2) with six service aces, including four from sophomore libero Rylee Hunt.
 
"Today's win was a function of both of our setters, Alexis Gray and Meghan Higley, running the offense," head coach Vilis Ozols said. "This showed in the high side out percentage and kill percentages that we had. The hitters did a great job finishing the plays. I thought our defense was a real differentiator too. Overall, it was a great rounded team effort."
 
Gray supplied 22 assists for a match-best, while Higley set a season-high with 14 assists of her own. Nicole Matheis led the Niagara attack with a season-high 13 kills while adding five digs.
 
Rayenne Hale was a major contributor on offense and defense with six kills, nine digs, and three block assists. Alex Stone registered eight kills and four block assists, and Melissa McGwin and Taylor Edmonds finished with five kills apiece. Hunt extended her double-digit digs streak to 23 matches with 10 on the day.
 
Niagara had a season-high .266 hitting percentage and tied a season-high with 11 aces.
 
The Purple Eagles hit the road next weekend with matches at Iona College on Sept. 26 and Manhattan College on Sept. 27.
 
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