NIAGARA, N.Y. – Laura Reinhart's (Belvidere, N.J./Newton) 19 kills on the afternoon propelled Saint Peter's to a come-from-behind victory against Niagara University on Saturday.
Jenny Pliska (Portland, Ore./La Salle College Prep) amassed 26 digs on the afternoon. Four players finished with double-digit kills, including Reinhart, Lauren Behrens (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East), Dayana Arrufat-Rondon (Truyillo, Puerto Rico/Carvin School) and Stephanie Mills. Kristina Baehr (Manassas, Va./Stonewall Jackson) tallied a team-best 37 assists.
In the first set, both teams would exchange points throughout to tie the set at 20. With the set tied, Saint Peter's would go on a 5-2 run to take the first set, 25-22. Arrurat-Rondon finished the first set with six kills.
Second set, Niagara would jump out to an early 14-8 advantage. Saint Peter's would chip away at the deficit, going on a 12-6 run to tie the set at 20. Niagara would respond, going on a 5-1 run to take the second set, 25-21.
In the third set, the Purple Eagles would start fast, taking an 11-5 lead. The Peacocks would not go away, chipping away at the lead. With the score 21-17 in favor of Niagara, Saint Peter's would score four straight points to the set at 22. Niagara would finish the set on a run, taking the third set 25-23.
Fourth set, both teams would trade points to tie the set at 15. Saint Peter's would battle its way to 25-21 set win and avoid losing the match. Mills would finish the set with five kills.
In the deciding fifth set, both teams would exchange points throughout, tying the set at 14. Niagara would call a timeout, after holding a slim 14-12 advantage. Saint Peter's would continue the charge, finishing the set on a 5-3 run to take the fifth set, 19-17.
For Niagara, Amanda Sedore tallied a game-high 21 kills. Logan Rae amassed a game-best 48 assists. The Purple Eagles had three players finish with double-digit dig totals.
Saint Peter's completes the season sweep of Niagara, improving to 4-22 overall and 2-10 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. This is the Peacocks first conference road win and season sweep of a conference opponent since 2009.
The Peacocks continue its road trip on Sunday, when they travel to take on Canisius.
