LOUDONVILLE, NY – The Siena Volleyball team struggled to find their footing on Saturday afternoon, as the Green and Gold were defeated by the Niagara Purple Eagles in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-17).
 
"Niagara played like a team on a mission today and we were unable to match their intensity and execution," said head coach Vilis Ozols. "Our team is looking for their flow and confidence. Hopefully, the frustration of this effort today will be a jumpstart for those things to kick into gear."
 
Freshman Olga Sawinska was a standout for the Saints, scoring 11 kills on the afternoon. Sophomore Meghan Johnsson tossed out 35 assists as the setter, while freshman Grace Wilhelm led the defensive effort with 14 digs. Senior Abby Huffman came close to a double-digit performance, finishing with nine kills.
 
Niagara was led by a strong 16-kill effort from senior Mary Redl, while Jaycie Roberts notched a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs. Redl also added two blocks from the defensive side, and Laryssa Imbuzeiro collected four service aces.
 
The first and second sets would play close as runs by both sides would be the name of the game. Niagara took a 12-7 lead in the first set before Siena ran off four points in a row to pull back within a point. Niagara was able to hold the lead until Siena pulled even at 17-17. From there, the Purple Eagles looked to Imbuzeiro as she scored a kill and three straight service aces to start a 6-0 Niagara run. With the score now 23-17, the Saints scored one point before back-to-back kills for the Purple Eagles own them the set 25-18.
 
In the second set, Siena battled back from an early deficit and was able to use a 5-0 run down 16-12 to then take a one-point lead, 17-16. However, the Purple Eagles scored six of the next eight points as a kill by Roberts gave Niagara the 22-19 edge. Despite back-to-back kills from Huffman and freshman Sara Wagner to pull back within a point at 22-21, another Roberts kill and two attack errors by Siena gave the set to Niagara 25-21 and a 2-0 match lead. The Purple Eagles ended it in the third, as Siena struggled offensively hitting just .184 in the frame as Niagara took a 25-17 win as Redl notched six kills in the final set.
 
The Saints return to action tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 10 when they host the other Western New York foe Canisius at 1 p.m. in the UHY Center.