The Saint Peter's University volleyball team was swept by Niagara University this afternoon 19-25, 19-25, 18-25. Laura Reinhart led the Peacocks, recording a double-double of 13 kills and 11 digs in the loss. With the loss, the Peacocks fall to 1-18, 0-6 MAAC, while Niagara improves to 7-9, 4-2 MAAC.
Saint Peter's started off the first set with a 2-0 advantage, until the Purple Eagles mounted an 8-2 run to go in front 8-4. During that time, the Peacocks would commit 4 hitting errors. The hosts managed to gain a sideout, but Niagara won the next point and rattled off four consecutive points to force Head Coach Andrew Brown to call a timeout. His team responded, and eventually put together a 5-0 run to tie the game at 15-15 against the defending MAAC champions. Three tied scores took place, until the visitors jumped in front 22-18 (4-0 run) and took the set 25-19.
Set two featured ten tied scores from beginning to near end, until the Purple Eagles caught fire and went on a 5-0 run to gain separation at 25-18. Saint Peter's recorded a side following a timeout and then a kill by Lauren Behrens, but a putdown from the reigning MAAC tournament MVP, Kari Honomichl ended the game at 25-19.
The Peacocks started off the last set strong, creating a 4-1 lead early on, and maintaining the advantage (6-5) until Niagara formed a 9-2 run to get ahead 14-8. Despite a brief 5-0 run near the end of the frame, Saint Peter's was unable to recover and were defeated 25-18.
Lauren Behrens turned in a strong defensive performance, collecting 15 digs and adding 6 kills. Jenny Pliska came away with a team-high 17 digs. Lexandra Wirth also had a solid match, putting away 6 balls.
Saint Peter's returns to action this Tuesday, for non-conference play against NJIT at 7pm.
