Junior Michelle Godfrey continued her productive play and senior libero Sarah Podlesh had 28 digs as the Canisius College volleyball team defeated Rider University 23-25, 29-27, 25-18, 25-18 at the Koessler Athletic Center on Sunday afternoon. The Golden Griffins improve to 13-6 and 8-2 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Godfrey had a career-high 16 kills and just one error on 25 attack attempts for a hitting percentage of .600. Podlesh had 12 of her 28 digs in the second set as the Golden Griffins had six players six or more digs. Freshman Janelle Davis had her sixth double-double of the season with 40 assists and 12 digs to go along with four kills on eight attack attempts.

“We're continuing to find a way to win home matches, even when we have a number of players having off days,” Canisius coach Cathy Hummel said. “Michelle and Sarah picked our team us to give us another victory.

Rider (9-11, 2-8) built an 18-12 lead in the first set before Canisius responded by winning four consecutive on the serve of Podlesh to get within two. Canisius would get within one at 24-23 but closed the gap fully as Rider went up 1-0.

In the second set, Canisius held a 22-14 lead after a kill by Davis, but Rider won 11 of the next 13 points to hold a set point at 25-24. The Griffs would keep Rider from going up 2-0 twice and won the final three points of the set, capped off by an ace from Podlesh to even the match.

Canisius went on a 7-1 run midway through the third set to take a 17-11 advantage and never let Rider get closer than four in the set to go up 2-1 in the match. Godfrey had six of her eight kills in the fourth set, as the Golden Griffins would win nine of the final 11 points in the fourth set to win the match.

Lindsay Brant led the Broncs with 15 kills while Elyse Grassmuck had 13 kills. Amy Jeary led Rider with 22 digs while Amanda Piccolini had 38 assists.

Canisius plays three road matches next week, starting with a Battle of the Bridge contest at Niagara on Wednesday. Match time at the Gallagher Center is set for 7 p.m.

Match Notes: Canisius is now 6-0 at home this season in MAAC matches... Canisius has won the last six matches against the Broncs and now have a 13-3 advantage in the all-time series... On the weekend, Godfrey hit .568 with 25 kills and one error on 44 attack attempts... Davis' six double-double ranks as the third most by a Canisius freshman in the last 10 seasons... The Griffs have held their opponent to a hitting percentage of .158 in the last eight matches... Canisius is 8-2 in the MAAC for the second time in three seasons.