Sept. 16, 2006
Final Stats
Christie Gustafson registered a match-high 16 kills and posted a .452 attack percentage to lead Siena past a game Canisius squad 3-0 (30-23, 30-25 and 30-19) in Loudonville Saturday afternoon. It was the first MAAC match of the season for both schools.
Gustafson led three Saints with double figure kills. Preseason MAAC Player of the Year Nadiege Honore had 11 kills and reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week Burgandy McCurty added 11 as well.
In the first game, Siena clung to a 20-17 lead before taking seven of the next eight points to put the game away. Junior Jessica Hackett served the final four points; she finished the match with two aces and seven digs.
The second game was tied at 23-23, before the Saints reeled off four straight points to take command. Freshman defensive specialist Kaui Robello served three key points over the stretch. Robello had 11 digs and five kills, several off which came in the decisive third game.
Holding a 17-15 lead in the final game, the Saints again went on a 5-1 run. Hackett and sophomore Kelly Hummel each served strongly late in the match to help solidify the victory.
Setter April London played a strong match for Siena, logging 45 assists in the three games. London added nine digs and three kills.
Siena served well all match, making just four service errors (against eight aces) on the afternoon. Canisius had just three aces and nine service errors. The Golden Griffins out-blocked Siena 11-10.
Leigh Launhardt and Mary Boller led a balanced Canisius attack with seven kills apiece. Liberos Jess Stackhouse and Kathi Kobayashi tied for match-highs with 16 digs.
The defending MAAC Champions return to action Sunday afternoon against Niagara at 2 p.m. in Loudonville.
