Sept. 26, 2010
Final Stats
Siena and Fairfield have played some epic volleyball matches the past five years. It started out that way in Loudonville Sunday, but ultimately this would not be one of them. Fairfield made an early statement with a straight set (26-24, 25-23 and 25-17) win at Siena Sunday afternoon.
The Stags improve to 4-0 in the MAAC with the win, Siena falls to 2-2.
Sophomore Brianna Dixion had 10 kills in just 18 attacks on the right side to lead the balanced Stags. Freshman Taylor Akana had 12 kills for the Saints, but she also committed 12 attack errors in her match-high 40 attacks. Sarah Sivertson had seven kills in 15 attacks.
The first set could have gone either way, but Siena hurt itself with poor serving. The aggressive-serving Saints had seven service errors in the first set, enabling Fairfield's 26-24 triumph. Both teams played well in the second set with the Stags hitting .353 and Siena connecting on 30% of its attacks. The set again went down to the wire, but Fairfield made a late move to turn a 20-18 deficit into another two point win. Fairfield pulled away in the third set, scoring seven of eight points after the match was tied 10-10.
The Stags were more efficient on offense, registering 38 kills in 80 attacks. Siena had more chances, but couldn't convert, registering 35 kills in 97 attacks. Siena's usually reliable backrow defense wasn't as sharp today either. Fairfield had 10 service aces and controlled a 41-27 advantage in digs.
The match marked the end of a five-game homestand for Siena which plays at Loyola and Rider next weekend. The Saints hope to be in better health when they return home to face Manhattan Saturday, October 9.
