Siena Volleyball continued to play right with their opponent up until the end, but were not able to capitalize on finishing out sets in a closely-contested three-set defeat at Niagara (23-25, 24-26, 18-25) on Sunday afternoon to wrap up the yearly Western New York road swing at the Gallagher Center.

There are plenty of signs that the Saints (1-12, 0-2 MAAC) are much better than their record would indicate with 19 of 36 sets lost by four points or fewer this season. 
Siena came out roaring with a .344 hitting percentage in the opening set, but the Purple Eagles (6-7 overall, 2-0 MAAC) hung around with a .278 hitting mark and played much better at the net with a big blocking advantage of the Saints with Janiah Robinson (eight blocks) and Sydney Wilkes (five blocks) playing strong in tandem together. 

After a career-high 27 kills yesterday for senior outside hitter Sara Wagner, the Polish native produced solidly yet again with a team-high 12 kills to go along with eight digs. 

Salme Adeele Hollas had 10 kills on a .346 with nine digs whiles sophomore setter Oliwia Majtyka and senior setter Claire Isaksen split up the passing duties with 13 assists apiece.

However, down the stretch, it was Niagara who was able to secure the biggest points of the match with Kinga Wronska leading the way with 13 kills and six digs and Liana Tolliver contributing with 10 kills.

Niagara and Siena have now split their meetings against one another 22-22 since the start of the 2001 season. 

Siena will be back on the courts on Wednesday at 6 p.m. with a return home to face MAAC opponent Marist.  It will be Water Bottle Wednesday with fans receiving a Siena water bottle as supplies last. The match will also be broadcast on ESPN+ and can be watched here through the app with those who have a subscription.