Nov. 16, 2006
Final Stats
Sophomore libero Kathi Kobayashi had a Siena season-high nine service aces to lead the second-seeded Saints past seventh-seeded Saint Peter's 3-0 (30-22, 30-17, 30-26) in the quarterfinals of the MAAC Championships in the Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex Thursday night. Siena advances to play #3 seed Canisius at 7 p.m. Friday. Canisius defeated #6 Loyola 3-1 earlier in the day.
Siena's offense was led by senior Christie Gustafson and junior Nadiege Honore. Gustafson had 12 kills while Honore collected 11. MAAC Rookie of the Year Burgandy McCurty had eight kills and Kelly Hummel added six. Saint Peter's senior Serra Soylou led all players with 21 kills. She was the only Peahen in double figures.
Siena won the first game 30-22. Leading 10-8, the Saints went on a 5-0 run behind the service of freshman Kaui Robello. Robello finished the match with three aces, three kills and eight digs. The Saints coasted to a 30-17 win in the second game, and scored 10 straight points off Kobayashi's service in the decisive third game before holding off a late Saint Peter's charge in a 30-26 win.
"We are one step closer to our goal," head coach Garvey Pierre said. "I was happy with our overall effort and pleased with the way we distributed the ball on offense."
Setter April London had 29 assists and six digs. London was named to the MAAC's Second Team earlier in the day.
The Saints posted a team attack percentage of .296 and held Saint Peter's to just .139. The Saints held a 41-35 edge in digs and a 16-9 advantage in aces.
Saint Peter's had defeated #10 Niagara in five games earlier in the day to advance to the quarterfinals. Siena now will take on #3 Canisius at 7 p.m. Friday. The Saints swept the season series with Griffins winning in three games in Loudonville and in five in Buffalo.
Siena is the defending MAAC Champion.
