Sept. 18, 2010
Final Stats
November 13, 2004. That was the last time Siena was shutout by a MAAC team at home...until Saturday. Canisius came into Loudonville and swept the Saints (25-19, 25-19 and 27-25) in their home opener, sending Siena to its eighth loss in nine matches this season. It was also the league opener for both schools.
Canisius (5-7/1-0) took control of the match from the start, scoring the first six points of the first set. The Griffs grabbed a commanding 18-6 lead before Siena (1-8/0-1) used a 13-5 run to close within 23-19. Canisius sealed the set on a bad set and an attack error. The next two sets were competitive throughout. The Griffs led just 21-18 before scoring four of the final five points in the second set and Siena led for most of the third set and had a chance to win it when Brianne Bobo's attack sailed wide at 24-23.
Freshman Taylor Akana continues to impress. She posted a season-high 20 kills and rounded out a double-double with 11 digs. It appears she will be a star in the conference for the next four years. But the Saints played just eight players as several regular starters remained out of the rotation with various ailments.
Canisius took advantage, led by freshman Emily Elek who tallied 13 kills and senior Renee Lettow who had nine. The Griffs dominated the action at the net, holding a 13-4 edge in team blocks. Siena stayed in the game with its backrow defense led by Lesli Akeo's match-high 22 digs.
The Saints will try to regroup quickly as defending MAAC Champion Niagara comes to the ARC Sunday at 2 p.m.
