LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Volleyball overcame a slow start to even it a one set apiece before dropping a four-setter to crosstown UAlbany (11-25, 25-23, 19-25, 11-25) on Wednesday evening at the UHY Center. 

Siena (4-15) ran into a buzz saw of a Great Danes offense in the opening set as UAlbany hit .500 for the set on the way to the comfortable win. 

The Saints, however, responded well by racing out a 5-1 lead behind a couple of spikes from senior Olga Sawinska and one apiece from Ella Treasure and Salme Adeele Hollas.

Siena maintained that cushion, going ahead 18-14 with a kill from Doga Diraz from a pass by Alandra Hasbrouck. UAlbany (7-11) locked the score at 18 all on a Sthefany Carvalho ace. 

With Ma'ila Stephens serving for the Saints, Siena reeled off five straight points.  The Great Danes fired back with four straight points of their own to cut it within one before Hollas finished it off with a kill for Siena.

UAlbany had the lead throughout the third set, but Siena was able to cut it to a three-point game late by winning four of five points on a kill each from Sara Wagner and Sina Toroslu.  The Great Danes captured the set on kills from Campbell Robinson and Kendall Harris and was able to close on an ace from Maria Olga Siapani. 

UAlbany jumped out early to a 13-4 lead and carried it on for the win. The Great Danes held a 11-4 advantage in aces. 

The Saints were led by Sawinksa's nine kills followed by Hollas and Wagner's six kills apiece.

Next up, Siena returns to the UHY Center for a 2 p.m. match with new MAAC member Merrimack (4-13, 3-4 MAAC). 

It will be Siena Volleyball Bingo Day, giving fans an opportunity to win free Siena gear.