Final Stats

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Siena will have to wait at least another year for its 10th MAAC Championship. Upstart Niagara swept the Saints 3-0 (25-16, 25-23 and 25-19) to advance to the semifinals against second-seed Marist tomorrow at 8 p.m.

Siena lost for the fifth time in its last seven matches, as key injuries derailed a chance for another championship run down the stretch.

MAAC Player of the Year Briana Flagg led Siena with 11 kills, playing with a heavily taped leg from an injury she suffered at Manhattan October 31. It was that Halloween day match that ultimately turned Siena's fortunes. The Saints had won six straight entering their showdown with the Jaspers, and were up 2-0 before Flagg's injury. Manhattan rallied to win, and the Saints lost road matches at Iona, Fairfield and Marist as the season reached its conclusion.

The Saints' other outside weapon, MAAC All-Rookie Team selection Darby Taylor, was limited all season with an ankle injury that got worse this past week. She wore a heavily taped air cast Friday, and wasn't able to compete at her top level.

One of two victories Siena had down the stretch was a comfortable 3-1 win over Niagara on Senior Day, but the young Purple Eagles got their revenge in a big way.

Rayenne Hale had 12 kills and Melissa McGwin added 11, but it was Niagara's backrow defense, anchored by MAAC Libero of the Year Rylee Hunt that stole the show. Niagara had no trouble with Siena's serve, and turned away several attacks with perfect passes to setup the counter.

The Niagara defense frustrated Siena's front row hitters into a .080 attack percentage for the match. The Purple Eagles were poised, hitting .214 for the match.

It was a complete victory for Niagara in a hostile setting. The Saints had their largest turnout of the season by far, a crowd that included the pep band, cheer team and dance team, but after Niagara rallied to take an ultra-exciting second set 25-23 there wasn't much for the home crowd to cheer about.

The loss marked the end of the careers of Siena seniors Erin Bies and Chrstina Monroe. Both saw meaningful action Friday night, and each leaves with a MAAC Championship ring, and with great memories made on and off the court.

The future, as always under head coach Garvey Pierre, looks bright for the Saints. Flagg and Setter of the Year Haley Howell return, along with junior defensive standouts Bobbi Lin Kalama and Kalehua Katagiri.