LOUDONVILLE, NY – Competing on its home court as the host team of the 2021 MAAC Volleyball Championship, No. 8 Siena Volleyball (7-23, 7-11) battled but fell at the hands of three-time defending MAAC Regular Season Champions No. 1 Fairfield (22-8, 16-2) in the MAAC Quarterfinals at the UHY Center Friday afternoon. The Stags defeated the Saints in four sets to win their 17th straight match in the head-to-head series.
"The team should hold their heads high after that match," Siena Head Coach Vilis Ozols said. "It was a complete team effort, and our group has been growing and evolving all season."
Looking to make a statement after compiling an impressive five set home victory in its regular season finale last Saturday, Siena sent the 66th overall meeting between the pair into the intermission tied at a set apiece, breaking off a 14-set skid against the Stags with a 25-21 win in set two. After winning a close 25-23 decision in the opening set, Fairfield fended off the home team in a 27-25 extra point triumph in set three before closing the match out with a 25-19 advantage in the fourth go-around.
The Green and Gold ended the season hitting a respectable .218 and finding eight aces, with a pair of Saints finishing with double-digit kills. Graduate student Emily Wunder and freshman Sara Wagner each totaled 13 kills, with Wagner adding 12 digs to record her sixth double-double of the season. Junior libero Gracie Halley put forth 18 digs, while sophomore setter Meghan Johnsson totaled 25 assists. Senior Abby Huffman ended her career in Green and Gold by tying a career-best with seven blocks.
The match was steadied offensively by 2021 MAAC player of the Year KJ Johnson, who put forth a double-double with 19 kills and 11 digs for Fairfield. Reigning MAAC Setter of the Year Manuela Nicolini led both squads with 51 assists, while Fairfield libero Morgan Doll had 18 digs.
Fairfield moves on to the MAAC Semifinals to face the winner of No. 4 Canisius and No. 5 Niagara, while Siena's season ends following back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2015 & 2016.
