Box Score The Canisius volleyball team opened its 2014 home schedule with a four-set win over Saint Peter's in the Koessler Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Griffins won 25-13, 25-13, 21-25, 25-11 to improve to 2-1 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Junior Rachel Kline recorded a match-high 14 kills to go along with eight digs. Canisius recorded 14 team blocks on the day, with sophomore Jacklyn Malusa posting 11 blocks and matching a program record with nine block assists. Malusa and fellow sophomore Katlyn Tyler each had eight kills while junior Grace Streicher had her fourth double-double of the season with 33 assists and 12 digs.
“We played really well in those first two sets, but then learned a valuable lesson to not take our foot off the gas at all,” Canisius coach Cathy Hummel said. “We responded in the fourth set, and I'm pleased with the way we closed out the match.”
Canisius jumped out to a quick 12-2 lead, winning 10 straight points on the serve of senior Emily Litwin. The Griffs had two blocks during the run, along with two kills from junior Lauren Siebert. Canisius hit .323 in the set as the third kill on three swings from Siebert closed out the first set. The Griffs took control of the second set with an eight-point run that included three blocks from Malusa on the serve of Siebert.
After Saint Peter's (2-8, 0-2 MAAC) won the final six points of the third set to force a fourth set, Canisius never trailed in the fourth set after won the first four points. The Griffs posted a match-high .391 attack percentage in the set, which started with back-to-back kills from freshman Kristin Bendy and ended on a 5-1 Canisius spurt.
Canisius (2-10, 2-1 MAAC) continues its three-match homestand against Rider University. Match time is set for 1 p.m. in the KAC.
Notes: Canisius starts MAAC play 2-1 or better for the seventh consecutive season… The 14 blocks for Canisius match a season high (Sept. 5 vs. Montana State)… Canisius posted a season-high nine service aces and also had a season-high .982 service reception percentage… Malusa is the ninth Golden Griffin to post nine block assists in a match… Canisius defeats Saint Peter's for the 11th consecutive meeting in the KAC.
