Oct. 3, 2009
Final Stats
Upstart Niagara handed Siena its second straight MAAC loss for the first time in four years Saturday at the Gallagher Center. Freshmen attackers Kari Honomichl and Amanda Wilken combined for 34 kills and five blocks for the Purple Eagles.
Siena's dynamic duo of Burgandy McCurty and Aubrey Bobo combined for 42 kills and 18 digs in a losing effort and senior captain Kau'i Robello led all players with 24 digs.
The match was competitive from the start. Honomichl had seven kills alone in the first set, in which NU pulled away late for a 23-18 advantage before holding off a Siena charge in a 27-25 win. The Purple Eagles won the second set 25-19, but the Saints responded after the break to win the third set 25-22. Niagara took the decisive fourth set 25-22.
Sophomore setter Michelle James recorded 50 assists for the second time this season for Niagara and classmate Hannah Hedrick was also solid, recording her 13th double-double of the season with 17 kills and 15 digs. James also added 10 digs for a double-double.
Siena rotated its freshmen setters. Sarah Sivertson got the bulk of the work ending with 30 assists and Elizabeth Ives finished with 16.
Sophomore libero Sam Morgan tallied 13 digs in the win, extending her double-digit dig streak to 46 matches, the third-longest current streak in the nation. McCurty had 10 digs to round out her double-double for the Saints.
The victory gives Niagara its 10th win of the season for the second time since 1998. Siena completes its Western NY swing at Canisius Sunday.
