LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. —  Despite winning its highest scoring set since 2007, Siena dropped a hard-fought battle with Quinnipiac 3-1 (17-25, 14-25, 35-33, 17-25 on Friday evening at the UHY Center.

The third set was the highest scoring set (68 combined points) of a Siena volleyball match since Oct. 27, 2007 when the Saints won the second set against Fairfield 38-36 (74 points). The NCAA changed the ruling on rally points needed to win form 30 points down to 25 points at the beginning of the 2008 season. 

Despite the loss, the Saints recorded 10 total blocks against Quinnipiac, showcasing a strong defensive effort.

Siena dropped to 9-13 overall record with a 4-4 mark in the MAAC while Quinnipiac improved to 9-11 overall and 6-2 in the conference.

First Set 
- Quinnipiac began the set with a 2-0 lead, including a kill from Yagmur Gunes. 
- The Saints responded with a 3-0 run, highlighted by a kill from Berra Tok to tie the score at 3-3. 
- A series of errors by Siena allowed the Bobcats to gain momentum, as they extended their lead to 11-7 with an ace by Asia Belli. 
- Quinnipiac capitalized on multiple attack errors by Siena, closing the set with a 25-17 victory on a final kill by Yagmur Gunes.

Second Set 
- The Bobcats opened strong, scoring the first six points, fueled by kills from Damla Gunes and Elena Giacomini. 
- Yagmur Gunes delivered a series of four consecutive service aces, extending the lead to 11-1. 
- Siena managed a brief rally, closing the gap to 14-6 with kills from Doga Diraz and Ella Treasure. 
- Quinnipiac regained control, finishing the set on a 4-1 run to secure a 25-14 victory.

Third Set 
- The Saints started strong, securing an early 4-0 lead with a block from Ella Treasure and Mary Claire Deacy, followed by an ace from Elizabeth Phillips. 
- Quinnipiac responded, leveling the score at 4-4 after a series of successful plays, including a kill by Leilani-kai Giusta. 
- The teams exchanged points in a seesaw battle, with the Bobcats briefly pulling ahead 19-15 after Asia Belli's kill. 
- Siena clinched the set with a late surge, highlighted by a kill from Diraz and a block on Leilani-kai Giusta to win 35-33. Doga Diraz recorded her third match this season with at least 21 kills.

Fourth Set 
- Siena took an early 7-4 advantage with three consecutive points, including a kill by Diraz and a block by Treasure and Diraz. 
- Quinnipiac responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by an ace from Giacomini, to shift the momentum and lead 8-7. 
- The teams traded errors and points, staying close until the Bobcats edged ahead 18-15 after a kill by Yagmur Gunes. 
- Quinnipiac closed the set with a dominating 7-0 run, featuring an ace by Ginevra Giovagnoni, to secure a 25-17 victory.

Doga Diraz led the Saints with 21 kills and added three blocks, Alara Doganyuz facilitated the attack with 28 assists while also contributing defensively with six digs. Amelia Robertson anchored the back row, achieving a career-high with 19 digs.

Treasure and Tok each bolstered the defense with five total blocks.

Siena will turn right around and host Merrimack (5-12 overall, 3-5 MAAC) at the UHY Center on Saturday at 2 p.m.