LEWISTON, N.Y. – The Canisius College volleyball team kicked off the annual “Battle of the Bridge” rivalry against Niagara on Saturday, but was bested in three sets in Lewiston, N.Y., Saturday afternoon. With the loss the Griffs fall to 5-14 and 3-4 in conference, while Niagara improves to 6-11 and 3-4 in MAAC play.

“We've got to figure out a way to play under pressure,” head coach Cathy Hummel said. “There was no bigger pressure game on our schedule, than playing our crosstown rival, and they won the battle of serving and passing. We have to forget about that match and prepare for next weekend against Saint Peter's and Rider.”

The Blue and Gold finished the contest with a hitting percentage above its season average, with a .222 mark, registering 34 kills and 10 errors on 108 total attacks. However Niagara did just enough to record the victory finishing with a .200 hitting percentage.

Katlyn Tyler posted her fifth double-double of the season as she registered 15 kills and 11 digs, leading the team in both categories. Tyler's 15, were the only double-figure kill total, as Rachel Kline finished with eight and Lauren Siebert had seven.

Senior setter, Grace Streicher led the team with 33 assists, while Jordan Tylec was tied with Tyler with the team lead in digs, with 11.

The Griffs and Purple Eagles, played three close sets, with just a combined nine points separating Niagara and Canisius.

The ability to pull ahead late in the sets proved to be the Blue and Gold's downfall, as the squad had tied 21-21 scores in both the first and second set, and the Purple Eagles scored eight-of-11 points following those tied scores.

In the third set, Niagara raced out to a 19-14 lead, before Casnisius went on a 7-3 run to cut the defiecit to just one, 22-21. Like the first two sets however, the Griffs failed to get any closer, as Niagara rattled off 3-1 run to clinch the set 25-22, to earn the 3-0 sweep.

The Griffs will head back out on the road next weekend, when the squad plays Saint Peter's and Rider on Oct. 17 and 18. Both matches are scheduled for 1 p.m. starts.