Sept. 24, 2008
Final Stats
Burgandy McCurty had 16 of Siena's 36 kills including the match winner as the Saints started their home season with a tight 3-0 (25-22, 25-23 and 25-23) win over state rival Binghamton. It was the second straight win for Siena which returns to MAAC action against Iona and Manhattan at home this weekend.
All three sets were contested throughout, and the Saints (3-8) finished all three strong. The turning point came in the second set, when Binghamton led 23-19 before Siena stormed back with six straight points behind Kau'i Robello's service to claim a 2-0 lead in the match.
In the decisive set, Siena held a two point lead throughout the later stages of play, before Binghamton (4-11) rallied to tie things at 23-23. Amanda Begin then recorded a sideout kill for the Saints and Aimee Gosse picked up a huge dig on match point that enabled McCurty to put away the winner.
The Saints claimed a 3-0 victory despite trailing in team kills 37-36. They made up for their lack of firepower with one of their top defensive matches of the season. Robello, filling in as libero, led Siena's back row with 11 digs. McCurty added 10. The Saints out-dug the Bearcats 49-36.
Michelle McDonough led the visitors with 10 kills. Teammate Brianna Strong came off the bench to chip in nine.
Siena, which has won 27 of its last 32 home matches, goes for its third straight victory in the ARC against Iona Saturday at 2 p.m.
