The Saint Peter's University volleyball team (1-14, 0-3 MAAC) was defeated by Siena College (8-7, 3-1 MAAC) this afternoon. The Peacocks fell in straight sets, 16-25, 14-25, 17-25.
The Peacocks started off the first set strong, jumping in front 3-1 before the Saints earned a sideout. Siena began to form a run to knot the score at 3-3, but a tool kill on the right side by Lauren Behrens gave the hosts a one-point advantage. A 7-1 run by the visitors put Saint Peter's behind 10-5, until junior outside hitter Laura Reinhart ended the run with a putdown. The five point disadvantage is the closest the Peacocks would get, as Siena led by as many as 12 points nearing the end of the frame (22-10).
Jenny Pliska shined defensively in the stanza, coming up with 6 of her 13 total digs.
Siena jumped out to a 5-0 lead to start the second game, before a short tip by Reinhart gave the Peacocks the sideout. Reinhart, who ranks fourth in the MAAC in service aces per set, brought the squad within three with her 16th ace of the year. An 8-2 run from Siena however put the Peacocks in a 13-5 hole, which they were unable to come back from.
Behrens tied the reigning conference Offensive Player of the Year, Taylor Akana, with 5 kills in the set.
The freshman from Frankfort, IL continued her torrid hitting in the third set, connecting on a cross court cut shot on the first attack of the game. An ace by Reinhart, a double block on the right side from Behrens and Brittany Smith and a hitting error by the Saints put the Peacocks ahead 4-0. Saint Peter's maintained their lead until 11-10, but Siena roared to life and went on a 7-2 spurt to jump in front 17-12, en route to a 25-17 victory.
Behrens finished the game with 11 kills on 25 attacks (.240) and added 2 service aces and 4 digs. Kristina Baehr contributed 17 assists and 8 digs.
The Saints were led by Rachel Stoklosa's 10 kills. The reigning MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Lesli Akeo, came up with a match-high 19 digs.
Saint Peter's returns to action tomorrow, as they host Marist College at 2pm in the Yanitelli Center.
