LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Volleyball took it to visiting Syracuse in the early goings of its home opener, but ultimately dropped a close battle 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-17) to open play as hosts of the Siena Saints Invitational on Thursday evening inside the UHY Center.

The Saints (1-6) surprised the Orange early and enjoyed a 10-0 lead with sophomore setter Oliwia Majtyka catching fire behind the service line.  Majtyka collected five aces during the stretch, besting her previous career-high in a single match of three that the Polish native set last October at Canisius.

Siena led 18-9 later in the set after a run of four straight points with Ma'ila Stephens serving it well.  But, the Saints couldn't quite close the set as the Orange's Klara Zarnovicka finished the last two points on kills.

In the second set, Siena led 9-8 and later tied it at 15-all.  Syracuse rallied to take seven of the next eight points with a strong game from Skylar George, who finished with a game-high 19 kills. 

The Saints came back with a kill by Wagner, a pair from Diraz and another from Ella Treasure to close within two points of the lead before George wrapped the set with a kill.

The teams traded points early in the third set before Syracuse opened up a five-point lead at 13-8 after two more kills from George and a pair of attack errors by the Saints.  An ace from Amelia Robertson pulled Siena within 13-11, but they would get no closer the remainder of the way. 

Senior outside hitter Sara Wagner produced another strong outing with a team-high 10 kills against just three errors on 22 attacks for a .318 hitting percentage. 

Sophomore newcomer and Oregon State transfer Doga Diraz was efficient, grabbing six kills on just eight total attacks.  Majtyka closed with 13 assists and five aces. 
Siena will take on Idaho (0-6) on Friday at 5:30 p.m. from the UHY Center. 

The first 50 fans will receive free Siena water bottles.