Nov. 8, 2009
Final Stats
Photo Gallery
Watch the Saints celebrate Match Point
Burgandy McCurty made her final home match a memorable one, rounding out a 60-kill weekend with 27 kills, and Siena's defense amassed 103 digs in a 3-2 (22-25, 25-17, 25-15, 24-26 and 15-8) Senior Day victory over title contender Niagara. With the win, the Saints earned the right to defend their MAAC title, claiming one of the four spots in this year's MAAC Championship to be held Nov. 22-23 in Buffalo.
Fellow senior co-captain Kau'i Robello finished off a phenomenal weekend as the Saints' (13-12/11-5) setter, compiling 65 assists and 16 digs.
McCurty went over 1,900 kills for her career and the MAAC's all-time leader in that category has a legitimate shot to pass 2,000 for her career now that Siena has secured a MAAC Tournament bid.
Freshman Sarah Sivertson had 17 kills and no errors, completing another strong week on the outside, and Aubrey Bobo bounced back to register 17 kills on the outside.
Junior defensive specialist Aimee Gosse had 23 digs, playing one of the finest matches of her career, and libero Lesli Akeo added 19.
Amanda Sawlsville capably manned the middle when McCurty rotated back, finishing with eight kills in just 16 attacks.
Hannah Hedrick had 14 kills and 18 digs to lead Niagara (20-8/13-4). Kari Honomichl and Amanda Wilken had 13 kills each. Niagara controlled the action at the net, holding a 10-5 lead in blocks. Wilken was a part of five blocks, but she also had two blocking errors. Libero Sam Morgan led the Purple Eagles with 20 digs.
Siena thoroughly controlled all three sets it won, winning the second 25-17, the third 25-15 and the final set 15-8. Niagara made things exciting by taking a competitive first set 25-22 and a back-and-forth fourth set 26-24.
It's the fourth straight win for Siena which seems to be peaking at the right time once again under seventh year Head Coach Garvey Pierre. The Saints now sit alone in third place and could finish as high as second or as low as fourth.
