GAME RECAP:
The Canisius volleyball program lost its first installment of the Battle of the Bridge on Thursday night, as the Griffs fell to the Purple Eagles 3-0 (25-19, 25-10, 25-19) at the Koessler Athletic Center. With the win the Blue and Gold drop to 5-13 overall and 3-6 in MAAC play, while Niagara improves to 8-13, and 6-3 in conference.

Niagara controlled play throughout the match, recording a 25-19 first set win and taking a 2-0 lead into the intermission, notching a 25-10 second-set win.

In the third frame, the Griffs were able to make things tight towards the end of the set, as a kill by Katlyn Tyler made it 21-19, however the Purple Eagles closed things out with four-straight points to clinch the set 25-19 and the match 3-0.

As a team Niagara was efficient, recording a .405 hitting percentage, while the Griffs finished the match with a .147 hitting percentage.

Only one member of the Golden Griffins reached double-figures in kills, as Tyler recorded 13 kills for the team lead. Cassidy Ceriani paced the team with 29 assists and digs with 7.

GAME NOTES:
• Canisius is now 32-34 against Niagara in the all-time history between the two squads.
• The Griffs have struggled recently against the Purple Eagles 2-9 in the last 11 matchups.
• While the Blue and Gold dropped their first Battle of the Bridge contests, as a whole have dominated the series, having won seven straight and nine of the last 10.

UP NEXT:
Canisius has a chance for a breather this weekend, as the team is absent from action. The Griffs resume play on Oct. 22, as the Blue and Gold head to Rider on Saturday and Saint Peter's on Sunday. Game times are slated for 1 p.m.