NIAGARA UNIV — The Niagara University volleyball team continued conference play with a comeback home win against Rider University.
After dropping the first set, the Purple Eagles prevailed and won the next three to give them the win against Rider. In the first set, Rider started off hot, creating a 10-3 lead off of an ace by Devyn Holland; Niagara recovered strong, making the score as little as 21-20, but Rider held on winning the first set 25-21.
The second set had nine tied scores between the two teams. The Purple Eagles extended their lead after back-to-back kills by Nicole Matheis. Niagara would take the second set 25-21. Rider bounced back to control most of the third, but Niagara battled back. Through extra play, and a score of 26-26, Niagara scored two points off an attack error by Rider and a set-winning ace by Alexis Gray.
After being down 2-0 to start the fourth set, Niagara went on a 7-1 run to grab a hold of the set. With the set tied at 19-19, consecutive kills by Caroline Leitch gave the Purple Eagles an advantage they would hold on to. Senior Alex Stone finished the match with a kill.
The Purple Eagles will continue conference play at home Sunday against Saint Peter’s at 1 p.m.
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