Siena University Athletics

NEW BRITAIN, CT – It was a whirlwind of a season opener for the Siena Volleyball team.

The Saints led two sets to one and were ahead 23-20 in the fourth set, but could not quite close it out as Siena dropped a heartbreaker against Atlantic-10 foe Rhode Island 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-11) on Friday afternoon at Detrick Gymnasium in New Britain, CT for begin the Central Connecticut State Tournament. 

The action continues Saturday with matches scheduled against Holy Cross of the Patriot League at 11 a.m. and against the hosts CCSU of the Northeast Conference at 5 p.m.

All matches can be streamed on NEC Front Row and live stats are available through CCSU's web site. Live updates from this weekend's matches and all season will also be available by following @SienaVB on "X."

Siena (0-1) fell to Rhode Island (1-0) to drop to 0-4 all-time against the Rams, but this was the closest they came to pulling off the victory.

Siena held advantages in several key statistical areas including total points (81-72), kills (62-59), aces (10-5), blocks (9-8), assists (58-53) and hitting percentage (.215 to .180), but the Rams were able to win the closer sets to get the win. 

Several Saints made impressive debuts wearing a green and gold jerseys including UAlbany transfer Brooke Malek, who recorded 30 digs, anchoring the defense effectively. St. Francis (PA) transfer Brianna Miller contributed with 16 kills and three aces, totaling 20 points. VCU/West Georgia transfer Abby Edwards led the setting duties with 31 assists, complementing the team's offensive strategy, and added seven digs.

In addition, Alara Doganyuz facilitated the offense with 24 assists while also adding six digs. Doga Diraz had 14 kills while Gabrielle Wire added 13 kills. 

Siena started the first set with momentum, taking an early advantage with a key kill by Abby Edwards and an attack error from the opposition. The team maintained an edge through effective service from Alara Doganyuz, which included a service ace, helping Siena to a 5-3 lead. Throughout the set, Diraz contributed pivotal kills, keeping the score close.

As the set continued, Siena demonstrated resilience, leveling the score at 19-19 through a combination of attack errors by the opposition and strong plays from Mary Claire Deacy and Miller. However, Rhode Island managed to regain control late in the set, capitalizing on Siena's errors and kills from their key players to close out the set. The set concluded with Rhode Island taking it 25-21.

Siena opened the second set with an ace from Edwards. The team quickly regained control after an early exchange of points, highlighted by a kill from Wire and a successful block by Alison Goldberg and Diraz that contributed to a mid-set lead.

Siena capitalized on a series of errors from URI, combining effective serves and defensive plays to extend its advantage. Doganyuz played a pivotal role, delivering assists and a key ace. Miller added a kill that pushed the team further ahead.

Towards the end of the set, Siena maintained momentum with consecutive points, including another kill by Diraz, sealing the set at 25-16.

Siena commenced the third set by overcoming an early deficit, marked by a kill from Wire to equalize the score at 1-1. Despite trailing early at 6-3, Siena responded with a balanced attack, highlighted by kills from Miller and Diraz, closing the gap to 7-6.

The turning point occurred when Siena, spurred by a series of attack errors from the Rams, embarked on a critical 8-0 run, with Maggie Seymour and Deacy contributing key blocks. This surge extended Siena's lead to 15-11.

Siena capitalized on its momentum in the latter stages, as Goldberg and Miller added crucial kills to maintain their advantage. Despite a late push from Rhode Island, Deacy's final kill clinched the set for Siena, concluding with a 25-22 victory.

Siena began the fourth set with a strong start, taking an early 6-2 lead fueled by kills from Wire and Miller, alongside an ace from Autumn Willmott. Seymour's block and Miller's offensive contribution helped Siena extend its advantage. However, Rhode Island responded, narrowing the gap to 8-5 with strategic plays, including a block by Havyn Rolle.

Siena maintained its edge with Edwards assisting key kills by Deacy and Miller, pushing the score to 15-13. Despite Rhode Island's push, including aces from Reagan Nisbet, Siena's offense, led by Miller and Deacy, kept it competitive. As the set progressed, Siena held a narrow 20-17 advantage after a kill by Wire.

With Siena leading 23-20, Rhode Island surged ahead with a series of points to capture the set 25-23.

In the decisive fifth set, Siena started strong with Wire securing an early point through a kill, setting the tone for a competitive set. Despite a back-and-forth exchange of points, Siena struggled to maintain momentum as Rhode Island capitalized on a series of attack errors and effective blocks, stretching its lead midway through the set.

Miller and Deacy contributed crucial kills, attempting to close the gap. Service errors from Rhode Island provided brief reprieves, but consistent scoring by Rhode Island's Cara Richter and Havyn Rolle kept Siena at bay. The set concluded with a score of 15-11 in favor of Rhode Island, sealing the match.

Looking ahead, Siena will have a tight turnaround playing Holy Cross on Saturday at 11 a.m. followed by a meeting with host CCSU at 5 p.m.