IAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY– The Rider University volleyball team completed the western New York swing of the MAAC schedule with a three-set victory over Niagara Sunday afternoon, winning 25-22, 25-23, 25-13. The Broncs improve to 10-15 on the season and 9-7 in MAAC play, moving into a tie for fifth in the MAAC standings with two matches left to play. Niagara falls to 11-13 overall and 10-6 in league matches.
 
Niagara jumped out to a 6-2 lead early in set one, but a pair of 3-0 runs by the Broncs tied the set 11-11. With Rider leading 13-12, Niagara went on a 4-0 run to once again take the lead. Down 17-14, the Broncs claimed the lead back with a 6-1 run, including an ace by Molly Strah (Akron, OH/Archbishop Hoban) and the Broncs went on close out the set.
 
The second set was back and forth throughout, featuring nine ties. Following, the final tie at 21-21, Rider scored back-to-back points to go ahead 23-21, then back-to-back side outs following Niagara points secured the set.
 
Rider was dominant from the start of set three. Ryley Frye (New Hope, MN/Robbinsdale Armstrong[UTEP]) had three aces as the Broncs built a 5-0 lead. Leading 13-6, the Broncs scored four-straight points on the serve of Carley McAleavey (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West). In the set the Broncs allowed Niagara just two points on their own serve.

QUOTES & NOTES
"The staff and I could not be prouder of this team. We know this is a tough weekend with long travel. This group attacked the week with so much energy and love for each other, and it was great to get a sweep this weekend. Total team effort and some players showing up big."
 
"Kianny and Paige going for 11 kills each, and Gabby adding 10. Blocking really came through with some huge momentum swing blocks by Makenna, Gabby, and Carley. Keegan again was locked in and the other DS's all played so well. Ryley comes through with three aces and 19 assists. We will enjoy our long bus ride, day off tomorrow, and prepping for a big weekend back in Alumni Gym." – Head Coach Jeff Rotondo
 
- The Broncs complete a sweep of the season series, both in three sets, and the Niagara lead in the all-time series is now just 25-19.
- For the 13th time this season, Frye and Makenna Mason (Hilton Head Island, SC/Hilton Head) reached double digit assists in the same match with 19 and 11 respectively.
- Strah had a team-high 12 digs, her eighth match in double figures this season.
- Paige Giehtbrock (Clarkston, MI/Clarkston) finished with 11 kills, her 10^th match in double figures this season.
- Kiannisha Santiago (San Juan, PR/Hudson Catholic (NJ)) also finished with 11 kills, her 11^th match in double figures this year.
- Gabby Polynice (Manhattan Beach, CA/Grant[Delaware State]) had 10 kills, hitting .409 and reaching double digits in kills for the first time as a Bronc.
 
BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- The Broncs hit .202 in the match, while the Purple Eagles hit .113.
- Rider had 39 kills in the match to 31 for Niagara.
- Niagara had a 54-52 edge in digs.
- Rider had a 9-1 advantage in aces.
- McAleavey and Polynice each had four blocks.

UP NEXT
The Broncs return home to begin the final weekend of the regular season, beginning with a match against Quinnipiac Saturday at 1 p.m.