For the first time since the 2018 MAAC Tournament, the Siena Saints have been waiting for a rematch with the Rider Broncs with their new and improved roster. Despite a first set win, the Green and Gold would be bested by the Broncs in Lawrenceville by a final score of 3-1 (25-22, 15-25, 27-29, 18-25) Saturday evening. It would be a showcase of the new young talent in the conference, as four-time MAAC Rookie of the Week Morgan Romano notched 24 kills for Rider, while Siena's Ally-Reese Williams collected yet another double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs.

The Saints featured Williams, with freshman Isabella Ultsch collecting a new career-high 11 kills to match her classmate. Freshman Gracie Halley stepped up on defense with a team-leading 15 digs, and Maria Llinas racking up 39 assists. In the middle, both Maddy Dunigan and Abby Huffman put on standout performances, Dunigan collecting eight kills and Huffman six kills. Junior Nicole Deobler tossed in eight kills as well. 

For Rider, Romano's performance continues to be the normal from the young phenom as she added a .291 attack percentage and a hand in six blocks. Ali Ward was also strong on the outside, finishing with 14 kills on a .333 attack percentage. Anilee Sher facilitated the Bronc offense to 48 assists and 12 digs. Libero Rachelle Runyon led Rider with 16 total digs.

"The team did a great job of putting ourselves in a position to win," said head coach Vilis Ozols. "Rider played a heck of a match to come back and win. I feel like our composure broke down at a couple of key stretches and that we're in a good position to correct that and come back stronger as we grow and develop."

The first set was an early indication of what the match would produce from both sides, as the Saints and Broncs would not find a lead anymore than three points throughout the start. That three point lead would come to fruition with a 21-18 Siena lead later in the set. After a kill from Ward brought Rider back within two, a pair of attack errors from Romano gave Siena their largest lead of the set at four points. The point cushion would be much needed, as Rider took the next three points to climb back within a single point. But, a kill from Huffman and a Rider attacking error gave the Green and Gold a 25-22 win, and 1-0 lead in the match.

The lead wouldn't last long though, as the second set would flip the script for the Saints. An early 5-0 run for Rider jump started their lead, winding up with a 25-15 win in the set as they also found their groove on offense with a .462 attack percentage, their highest in a set on the night.

The third set made the price of admission at Alumni Gymnasium Saturday evening worth every cent, as the Saints and Broncs fought to a 29-27 Rider win as they took a 2-1 lead. Siena would ride momentum after taking a 14-9 lead going on a 6-1 run, and build the lead out to a 21-16 lead. With their sights on a 2-1 lead in the match, Siena let the lead slip as Rider scored the next five points to tie the set at 21-21.

Neither side would get an inch, and once again Siena had Rider against the ropes taking a 24-22 lead thanks to kills from junior Dakota Jackson and Ultsch. A Rider kill and Siena attack error nixed the lead, once again tying things up at 24-24. Both sides would go point for points until the score stood 27-27. Romano would knock down a kill, and another Siena attack error gave Rider the win, and giving them the 2-1 match lead. The Broncs used that momentum to finish the job in set four, taking the 25-18 win and clinching the match.

Siena returns to the floor tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 29 when they travel to Jersey City to take on Saint Peter's. Opening serve kicks the match off at 1 p.m.