Niagara University, NY - Niagara volleyball came up short against Quinnipiac on Friday night, dropping a four-set  (28-26, 21-25, 15-25, 22-25) decision to fall to 11-14 overall and 11-6 in MAAC play. The visiting Bobcats improved to 18-11 and 15-2 in conference action.

Set One

The opening set was back-and-forth that saw 12 ties and four lead changes. Quinnipiac jumped ahead 6-2 early, but Niagara came back to tie it at 8-8 behind kills from Sydney Wilkes and Liana Tolliver.

Trailing 22-18, the Purple Eagles mounted a rally. Kylie Blessing delivered two crucial service aces during a 5-1 run that gave Niagara a 23-22 advantage. Niagara pushed to set point at 26-25, but couldn't close it out. Niagara earned another set point at 27-26 with a kill from Wilkes, and completed the first set victory 28-26 with a kill by Tolliver.

Set Two

Quinnipiac gained momentum in the second set, using a 7-0 run to build a 14-5 lead.

Niagara battled back with a 5-1 run powered by Tolliver, who contributed multiple kills. The Purple Eagles pulled within 16-15, forcing the Bobcats to call timeout.

Quinnipiac steadied and closed on a 9-6 run to take set two 25-21.

Set Three

Quinnipiac started out with a 10-3 lead led by a 7-0 run. The Purple Eagles answered back, shortening the lead to five.

The Bobcats ended the set scoring four of the last five points to take a 2-1 set lead.

Set Four

Quinnipiac once again got out to an early lead going on a 11-3 run. The Purple Eagles then scored eight of the next 10 points to make it a 13-10 game.

The Bobcats answered with a 6-1 response of their own, rebuilding a 19-11 lead. 

Niagara made one final push, closing to 24-22 on kills by Jacobs and Wronska, but the Bobcats took the final set 25-22.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 19-8 all-time against Quinnipiac

Tolliver, Wronska and Wilkes all recorded double-digit kills

Blessing tallied her 13th 20+ assist game with 23 assists

Wilkes led the Purple and White with five blocks

Up Next

Niagara wraps up the regular season Saturday November 15 at 3 pm against Merrimack inside the Gallagher Center.