The Canisius volleyball team lost in three sets at Niagara University on Wednesday evening, falling 25-11, 25-15, 25-19 and seeing their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record even at 5-5 on the season.

Niagara (9-12, 5-5 MAAC) jumped out to a 7-1 lead in the first set and controlled a majority of the match. The Purple Eagles posted a .536 attack percentage en route to taking the first set.

In the second set, a block from freshman Kristin Bendy knotted the score at 9-9. Niagara would win the next 10 points, taking advantage of five Canisius errors, to go up 19-9 and eventually take a 2-0 lead in the match.

Canisius trailed 9-7 in the third set after a Niagara service error before the Purple Eagles went on a 6-1 run to take a 15-8 lead. The Golden Griffins would use a 5-1 run to make it 18-15, but Niagara closed out the match by winning four of the last six points.

“We never competed today, and Niagara outplayed us in every aspect of the game. We have to be able to overcome injuries and compete on the first touch,” Canisius coach Cathy Hummel said. “We had the opportunity to play in an environment similar to what we will experience at the conference tournament and we failed. The next time we get that opportunity we need to succeed.

“We have to turn the page and look forward to our next opponent in Manhattan.”

Senior Olivia Chrzanowski led Canisius with six kills while senior Emily Litwin had 11 digs.

Alex Stone led Niagara with 12 kills and a .529 attack percentage. Alexis Gray had 35 assists as Niagara had a .349 team attack percentage.

Canisius (5-14, 5-5 MAAC) returns to the Koessler Athletic Center for two matches this weekend, starting with Saturday's match against Manhattan College. Match time in the KAC is set for 1 p.m.

Notes: Niagara sweeps the season series from Canisius for the fifth time in the last six years… Niagara earns one point in the Battle of the Bridge competition now leads 4-0 in all-sports competition for the Canal Cup… The 19 kills for Canisius were the fewest since posting 19 at Niagara on Oct. 20, 2010… Canisius also set season lows in attack percentage (.024), service aces (one) and digs (23).