Lawrenceville, NJ – Niagara dropped a hard-fought 3-1 decision to Rider on Friday evening at Alumni Gymnasium, with the host Broncs claiming set scores of 25-22, 25-17, 27-25, 25-18. The Purple Eagles fall to 10-11 overall and 10-3 in MAAC play, while Rider improves to 11-13, 9-4 MAAC.

Set One

Niagara jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage on a Liana Tolliver kill assisted by Mia Schaefer.

Kinga Wronska provided a spark midway through the set with a dominant service run, delivering two aces along with a kill as part of a 6-0 run that gave Niagara a 10-7 lead. 

The Broncs closed the set on a 5-0 run, giving the home team a 25-22 victory.

Set Two

Niagara got out to a 4-2 lead with kills from Tolliver and Janiah Robinson as well as an ace from Tolliver.

After three ties early on, the Broncs took control of the set building their lead to 19-9.

The Purple Eagles tried to mount a comeback with kills from Wronska and Syndey Wilkes but Rider held on to take set two 25-17.

Set Three

The Broncs got out to a 6-3 lead to start the third set. Niagara went on a six point run with Schaefer at the helm to take a 10-7 lead with kills from Wilkes.

The set remained tight throughout, with both teams trading blows. Kylie Blessing delivered a crucial service ace to tie the score at 21-21. 

After the teams traded points to 24-24, the Purple Eagles broke through. Wilkes recorded a kill from Perkins, and then a block to give Niagara a 27-25 victory and force a fourth set.

Set Four

Rider jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead, but Niagara closed the gap making it a 13-10 game behind kills from Tolliver, Wronska and Payton Lee as well as an ace from Kylie Blessing.

The Broncs extended their lead to 21-15. Despite late kills from Wronska and Gabrielle Belony, the Purple Eagles couldn't overcome the deficit falling 25-18.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 24-24 all-time against Rider

The Broncs have won the last seven matchups

Wronska led the Purple and White with 13 kills

Both Tolliver and Wronska recorded double doubles with kills and digs

Up Next

Niagara takes on Saint Peter's Saturday November 1 in Jersey City, NJ.