NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
NIAGARA UNIV. – The Niagara Purple Eagles concluded their home schedule with a convincing three set win over the Manhattan Jaspers on Sunday. Niagara has now clinched a spot in the 2017 MAAC Tournament which will be played from Nov. 17-19 at Fairfield University.
Match Summary
Prior to the match, Niagara honored its senior class – Alexis Gray, Meghan Higley, Rylee Hunt, Nicole Matheis and Madison May.
Niagara sprinted to a 10-2 start in the opening set as the Purple Eagles cruised to a 25-9 win. Niagara led the second set from start to finish. Leading 8-7, NU scored three straight points to create some separation. The Purple Eagles, then, used a 7-2 run to take a 20-12 lead. NU ended the set scoring the last three points to take a 2-0 lead.
In the third set, Niagara broke open the set with a 9-2 run to build an 18-9 advantage. Matheis served out the final five points of the match, including recording two aces.
Eagle’s Eye On…
- Nicole Matheis had eight kills, a team-high 14 digs and three aces for a match-high 12.5 points.
- Madison May led the match with nine kills on a .318 hitting percentage and had nine digs.
- Meghan Higley led the match with 21 assists and tied a career-high with three aces.
- Alexis Gray had 16 digs and two aces.
- Rylee Hunt added 10 digs.
- Grace Hetterscheidt had eight kills and Draik Banks added seven kills on a match-best .636 hitting percentage.
Inside The Numbers
- Niagara finished with a season-high 11 aces
- The Purple Eagles’ 15 wins are the most since 2012 and their 11-3 conference start is the best since 2012.
- Niagara’s 8-1 record at home is second best to the 2011 team who went 9-1 and Niagara’s one loss is the tied for the fewest losses in program history.
- Niagara improved to 8-2 in three set matches this season.
Coach’s Corner
- “I was very excited about the execution of the offense, particularly transitioning from our defensive stops. The seniors did a great job on senior day of delivering with precision and intensity.” – head coach Vilis Ozols
Up Next
- The Purple Eagles begin the stretch run of the season next weekend at Siena on Nov. 4 and Marist on Nov. 5.
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