The Siena Saints battled on Saturday, as they dropped a pair of matches to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Binghamton in the final day at the Bearcat Classic. Senior Gracie Halley was awarded All-Tournament Team honors following her play over the weekend.
 
MATCH 1
Sophomore Claire Isaksen showed out with a 16 assists, nine dig, and four ace performance as the Saints fell in their first matchup of the day to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore by a final score of 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 26-24). The Eagles had Alexis Lee finish with a team-high eight kills.
 
Graduate student Emily Wunder led the Saints with eight total kills. Sophomore Olga Sawinska started sharp for the Saints with four kills in the first set despite the Saints falling in the first set.
 
In the second set, Siena fell behind 9-1 early before coming all the way back within a point with the score 13-12. UMES then pulled away to take set two 25-20. Siena also put up a battle in set three, pushing it to the end before the Eagles prevailed 26-24.
 
MATCH 2
Siena finished off their weekend with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-21) loss to host Binghamton. The Bearcats were led by a trio of nine kills efforts from Giulia Bonifacio, Stefania Stan, and Tsvetelina Ilieva.
 
The Saints struggled through the first set after an early lead, giving Binghamton the momentum into set two. After a set two win by a close final of 25-20 thanks to a late 5-1 run, the Bearcats finished things off in the third with a 25-21 final.
 
Halley tallied 18 total digs for a season-high, with Meghan Johnsson finishing with 16 assists. Hailey Hinkel added seven kills for the Green and Gold. For the Bearcats, Jessie Bilello tossed out 15 assists and Sydney Aguirre added 15 digs.
 
Siena returns to action next weekend starting on Friday, Sept. 2 at 4 p.m. when they face Air Force at Brown University.