The Canisius volleyball team outblocked Marist 15.5-5 on Sunday, but the Red Foxes managed to slip passed the Griffs, 3-1 at the Koessler Athletic Center. After the two teams split the first two sets, Marist came out of the break and tallied two-straight set victories for the match win. With the loss Canisius drops to 6-16 and 4-9 in the MAAC, while Marist improves to 11-14 and 10-4 in conference action.

Canisius got off to a fast start in the match opening up with a 25-22 first-set victory. Marist responded in the next frame, defeating Canisius 25-21, to head to the break tied at 1-1.

The third set proved to be a difference-maker as the Griffs were presented three-set points but failed to convert on each as Marist outlasted the Blue and Gold 28-26 and went on to win the fourth 25-15, and the match 3-1.

Canisius had three players reach double-figure kills as Sara Wesley recorded 11 kills, and Jacklyn Malusa and Katlyn Tyler both had 10 each.

Starting libero Donnett Hickson recorded 17 digs for the team lead, while Cassidy Ceriani recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 17 assists and 11 digs. Sophomore setter Julia Hrycyk added some size at the net, as she split time with Ceriani and recorded a season-high 11 assists.

Marist was led offensively by freshman, Megan Fergus who posted 15 kills, while Mackenzie O'Brien had 13 kills. Ashton Korona also added 11 kills for the Red Foxes. Lexi Millington led the team in digs with 31, while Amanda Schlegel had 22 assists and 15 digs for the double-double.

THOUGHTS FROM COACH VAZQUEZ:
"I liked the aggression throughout the match,” head coach Lenika Vazquez said. “In the fourth set we struggled offensively. We had some moments where we absolutely needed some people to finish the ball and that didn't happen unfortunately."

GAME NOTES:
• The Red Foxes win the 36th meeting in the all-time series history, but the Griffs still lead 19-15.
• Canisius showed improvement in one area on Sunday as the squad outblocked the Red Foxes 15.5-5 and recorded the most team blocks since Sept. 29, 2013.
• Donnett Hickson posted a new-career high with 17 digs during the Sunday.
 • Closing out sets proved to be an issue throughout the weekend, as the squad failed to convert on seven set points between its matches against Siena and Marist. 

UP NEXT:
Canisius heads down the homestretch of the season as the squad prepares for a busy week, featuring three matches. Canisius will first take on rival Niagara on Wednesday up in Lewiston, N.Y., beginning at 6 p.m. The Griffs then host their final two home matches, hosting Fairfield on Nov. 5 and Quinnipiac on Nov. 6. Both matches are slated for 1 p.m. and will be shown on ESPN3.