The Canisius volleyball team earned its first MAAC victory of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Saint Peter's in 4 sets, 3-1, from the Koessler Athletic Center.

In their first home match of the season, the Griffs jumped out to an early lead winning the first set, 25-17, before the Peacocks would respond by winning the second set, 24-18.

The Griffs would regain control of the match taking the final two sets, 25-17 and 25-19 respectively. The fourth and deciding set saw the Griffs go on a 8-0 run to close out the victory, after trailing the Peacocks 19-17. The win moves the team's record to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in MAAC play.

Senior Jacklyn Malusa led the Griffs in kills (17) and digs (20), while freshman Cassidy Ceriani led the team with 30 assists.

Sophomore Sara Wesley had the Griffs highest attack percentage at .458 on 14 kills, while Saint Peter's was led by Marlena Budna with a .478 attack percentage on 13 kills. The Griffs also had the advantage in attack percentage over the Peacocks .190 to .100.   

"We had two players step up in a very big way today," said head coach Lenika Vazquez. "Jackie and Sara had a large presence on the court and we needed that. It's nice to get that first home win and now it's up to us to stay consistent from here on out."

GAME NOTES
• With the win, the Griffs extended their series lead over the Peacocks to 27-12.
• Jacklyn Malusa recorded her first double-double of the year.
• The Griffs are now 4-3 in home opening matches since 2010. 

NEXT UP
The Griffs finish up the weekend with a Sunday matinee against Rider from the Koessler Athletic Center. That match is slated for 1 p.m. The Blue and Gold continue MAAC play next weekend traveling to Connecticut to take on Quinnipiac and Fairfield.