UAlbany defeated Siena in four sets, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-18, on Tuesday at University Gym.

 The Saints' five service aces were not enough to overcome the Great Danes' eight aces and strong blocking, which included 12 total blocks. Siena took an early lead by winning the first set, but UAlbany rallied to claim the next three, showcasing their defensive skills with 95 digs.

Siena dropped to 7-11 overall record and UAlbany improved to a 7-9 overall record.

In their next game, the Saints will travel to face Sacred Heart at the William H Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center in Fairfield, CT. The match is set for Friday, Oct. 10, with first serve at 7 p.m.

Doga Diraz led Siena with 17 kills and contributed two service aces, accumulating a team-high 20 points.

Mary Claire Deacy posted an impressive .464 hitting percentage with a career-high 14 kills on 28 attempts.

Alara Doganyuz facilitated the offense with 29 assists and added 15 digs on defense.

Natalia Clifford was active defensively as well, recording 16 digs across the matches.

Kendall Harris led UAlbany with 18.0 points and made 18 digs, showcasing her capability as a key contributor. Maria Olga Siapani demonstrated her playmaking with 40 assists and supported defensively with 17 digs and five total blocks. Gabriella Karman stood out in defense with 10 total blocks, underscoring her presence at the net.

Kasia Barletta added to the defense with 24 digs, making her a reliable option in the back row. Shynelle Woroniuk contributed significantly to the scoring tally, accumulating 15.0 points and maintaining her role as an offensive asset.

Siena opened the first set with steady play, managing to keep pace with UAlbany's early points. Elizabeth Phillips and Diraz each contributed crucial kills, with Phillips achieving a season-high 13 kills, helping the Saints maintain momentum. They capitalized on consistent setups from Doganyuz, pulling ahead with multiple successful attacks.

Midway through the set, the Saints extended their lead through a series of well-placed kills by Gabrielle Wire and Deacy, supported by effective serves from Autumn Willmott. This offensive push allowed Siena to build a notable advantage.

As the set neared its conclusion, the Saints sustained their lead despite UAlbany's attempts to close the gap.

A final block by Diraz and Ella Treasure secured the set at 25-22, giving Siena a confident start to the match.

Siena began the second set with resilience, responding to an early UAlbany service ace with Wire's kill, assisted by Doganyuz.

Despite a series of errors, the Saints remained competitive with key plays from Phillips and Diraz keeping the team within striking distance.

As the set progressed, UAlbany extended their lead to 18-11, fueled by consistent offensive execution.

However, the Saints mounted a late comeback, closing the gap to 24-23 with impactful kills from Diraz and Phillips. Ultimately, UAlbany secured the set with a late kill by Harris, concluding the set at 25-23.

In the third set, the Saints opened with a strong service performance, as Doganyuz delivered two consecutive aces, helping the team establish an early 4-0 lead.

Diraz contributed with two kills to extend the momentum.

However, UAlbany responded with a series of points, leveling the score at 4-4, and then building a lead through effective blocking and kills, notably from Harris and Anna Myhal.

Despite the Saints' efforts, including key kills by Deacy and Phillips, UAlbany maintained their advantage with consistent scoring from Harris.

While Siena managed to narrow the gap with a late push, highlighted by another Diraz kill, UAlbany closed the set with a 25-17 victory, extending their lead in the match.

In the fourth set, UAlbany started strongly with a series of early kills, establishing a 5-1 lead. The Saints responded with a sequence of points, highlighted by a kill from Wire and a block by Treasure and Phillips, narrowing the gap to 6-5.

UAlbany maintained their edge, but kills from Treasure and Phillips helped Siena tie the score at 7-7.

Midway through the set, Deacy delivered several key kills, keeping the contest close.

However, UAlbany capitalized on service aces and kills from Harris and Woroniuk to build a comfortable margin.

Although Deacy continued to score for the Saints, UAlbany's consistent attack led them to close the set at 25-18, securing the set.