Dec. 27, 2009
GALLERY
Top 10 Moments
The Siena athletic department continued its countdown of the top-10 moments of the decade today. Checking in at the number five spot on our list is the volleyball team's 2007 MAAC Championship.
When asked which of his team's four MAAC titles he cherishes most, Head Coach Garvey Pierre wastes little time. "They were all sweet, but I would have to say the win at Fairfield was the most special."
Siena and Fairfield have staged a volleyball rivalry unparalleled in any sport in the MAAC. The two schools met in four straight MAAC Champion ships from 2005-2008, and the Saints emerged victorious each time. The first three were decided in five sets, highlighted by one of the best MAAC events of the decade - the 2007 Conference Championship match contested on national TV on Fairfield's home court.
The atmosphere was electric as the two teams played a back-and-forth match at Alumni Hall. After splitting the first four sets, the Saints jumped out to an 8-3 lead in set five before the Stags closed to within 11-10. Siena took the next two points on a Burgandy McCurty kill and an ace from Tournament MVP Nadiege Honore to force a timeout.
Fairfield rallied to win the next two points and Siena called a timeout as the Fairfield crowd roared as the pep band played at a fever pitch. Leading 13-12, the Saints put the match away with consecutive kills from McCurty and Honore, sending the hundred or so Siena fans who made the trip into a tizzy.
Siena was headed back to the NCAA Tournament.
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November 19, 2007 - Tournament MVP Nadiege Honore had 21 kills and 16 digs keying an improbable comeback that sent the Siena volleyball team to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season and fourth time overall. The Saints rallied past Fairfield in five games (20-30, 30-26, 27-30, 30-26, 15-12) to complete a MAAC Championship threepeat before a nationally televised audience Monday at rowdy Alumni Hall.
"It's unbelievable. To win in this gym, in this atmosphere, I can't describe it," MAAC Offensive Player of the Year Burgandy McCurty said following the 2 hour and 40 minute struggle.
The script played out as it has the last three seasons. The two teams exchanged blows in a seesaw affair with the outcome in the balance until the Saints turned back a Fairfield attack to post the final point. Siena has now handed Fairfield heartbreaking 3-2 defeats in the title match each of the last three seasons.
"It's never easy, but every time is just as exciting," an exuberant Garvey Pierre said following the match. Pierre has orchestrated the title runs after inheriting a program in 2002 that had gone six seasons without tasting a championship.
Trailing two games to one, Siena pulled even with a 30-26 win in game four.
Perhaps haunted by memories from the last two conference championships, Fairfield staggered at the start of the fifth game and the opportunistic Saints took advantage. Siena jumped out to a 4-0 lead and never trailed, though Fairfield closed to 13-12 and had a chance to tie the game before sophomore Kau'i Robello made a key dig and perfect pass that resulted in a McCurty kill that set up double-match point.
McCurty had 24 kills and just two errors, dominating the middle as she has all season. Freshman Aubrey Bobo had 18 kills and 20 digs for her 10th double-double of the year, adding balance to the outside. Captain Kelly Hummel also finished in double figures with 10 kills. Setter April London played through a strict whistle to post 67 assists and 13 digs.
Honore started slowly - committing three of her seven attack errors in the first game. But when it mattered most, her soaring swing produced 10 kills in the final two games.
Both teams played exceptional defense, combining for 217 digs. Siena libero Kathi Kobayashi led the effort with 28 digs, Robello had 24.
Fairfield senior Kelly Oliver collected a match-high 26 kills to go along with 26 digs in one of the top efforts of her career. Katie Mann had 16 kills and five blocks in defeat.
Fairfield claimed the first game 30-20 with an efficient attack that registered a .419 hitting percentage. The Saints rallied for a 30-26 win in game two, but lost the third game 30-27.
It was the first time this season Siena has won after trailing 2-1, and the team's first win in a match that went the distance all year.
McCurty and Hummel joined Honore on the MAAC All-Tournament team. Mann and Barbie Thistle were named to the team for Fairfield
The fourth NCAA appearance is the most by any of Siena's 18 Division I sports.
