By Tim Schmitt
LEWISTON — Sure, the No. 2 seed in next weekend’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament was already wrapped up. But that didn’t mean the Niagara University women’s volleyball team was about to take Saturday’s MAAC regular-season finale for granted.
Certainly not with arch-rival Canisius invading the Gallagher Center.
The Purple Eagles played with passion, finishing off the most successful regular season in school history in rousing fashion, holding off the visiting Golden Griffins in the opener, then rolling to a three-game victory, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22 victory.
“We told them we want to go into the MAACs with a win and not looking to find our way once we get there,” Niagara coach Susan Clements said. “We wanted to come and try a few new things, too.”
For example, Niagara (21-8 overall, 14-4 MAAC) tried moving middle blocker Amanda Wilken to the outside in an attempt to take some pressure off star hitter Hannah Hedrick. Also, Lauren Costello saw action in the middle as the Purple Eagles kept the visitors off-balance.
The moves worked. Niagara had 46 kills to 28 for Canisius (8-10, 11-18) as Michelle James led the winners with 37 assists and Kari Honomichl pumped down a game-high 14 kills. Wilken also had 10 kills and added four blocks.
In the opener, Canisius got off to a quick start, but Sam Morgan had three aces to put the hosts ahead. After Canisius tied it up at 24-24, Shannon Ryan had a big hit down the right line, then she added a nice play on a loose ball at the net to record the winner.
In the second game, the Purple Eagles got off to a quicker start as Wilken’s big block in the middle gave the hosts a 12-6 edge. Costello’s big hit on the right side finished off a 25-17 victory.
After the break, Niagara raced out to an 11-8 edge in the third game, and Rebecca Suchy’s ace secure the victory.
For Niagara, that wraps up a season in which the Purple Eagles finish second. The Purple Eagles will find out who their opponent in the first round of the MAAC Tournament is today.
“We’re going to have to make sure they keep their focus and find a way to keep their nerves under control,” Clements said. “We’re always going to be competitive, that’s the way our team is.”
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
