Aug. 26, 2011
Final Stats
For the first time since 2007, and just the second time in Garvey Pierre's nine years as head coach, the Siena volleyball team has started its season with a victory. The young Saints rallied from two sets down to topple Youngstown State in five sets (20-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22 and 15-12) Friday afternoon in the first round of the Big Orange Tournament in Syracuse.
Preseason All-MAAC pick Taylor Akana paced the Saints with 20 kills and 20 digs, while freshman Jacquilne Skeen had six kills and six blocks.
Siena does not have a senior on this year's roster, but the junior class played a big role in Friday's win.
Sarah Sivertson got the start at setter and posted a double-double with 37 assists and 13 digs. Classmate Elizabeth Ives moved to the right side and killed five of her 13 attacks while racking up nine digs, and Colleen Ahearn started in the middle and contributed 11 digs. Reliable libero Lesli Akeo registered 16 digs.
Missy Hundelt posted a match-high 25 kills to lead Youngstown State. The Penguins seemed in control of the match after taking the first set 25-20 and the second 25-23, but Siena found its footing and rallied. Youngstown State was just two points away from victory, leading the third set 23-20 but faltered with five straight errors to give Siena life.
Akana had six kills in the critical fourth set, including three of the final five points.
The Tournament continues with two games Saturday. Siena takes on Sacred Heart at 10 a.m. and host Syracuse at 7 p.m.
