Riverdale, N.Y. (October 16, 2005)--The senior duo of Megan O'Dorisio and Maggie Pfeifer combined for 49 kills on Sunday afternoon, but it was not enough, as Manhattan Volleyball fell to Niagara University in an intense five-game match at Draddy Gymnasium on the opening weekend of MAAC play.
Pfeifer and O'Dorisio, who entered the week as number one and two amongst the MAAC kill leaders, continue to post impressive numbers. O'Dorisio recorded match-high 25 kills to go with 14 digs, giving the senior outside hitter her tenth double-double out of the last 13 matches. Pfeifer, who is the reigning MAAC Offensive Player of the Week, finished with 24 kills and a team-best .438 hitting percentage.
Niagara, however, countered with a solid attack of its own, as Stephanie Hopkins and Michelle LeSouder teamed up for 40 kills. Hopkins notched 19 kills and a match-high 29 digs, while LeSouder pounded out 21 kills with match-best .452 attack percentage.
With a two games to one lead in the match, but trailing 27-21 in game four, Manhattan went on a 6-1 run. Pfeifer recorded three kills and O'Dorisio added two during the spurt, which cut Niagara's lead to 28-27. Back-to-back kills by Hopkins and Raelean Rush, however, forced a fifth and deciding game.
After an O'Dorisio kill even game five at two, the Purple Eagles rattled off five straight points to take command of the frame en route to the victory.
On the defensive side, senior libero Ashley Davis, who was one of four Lady J's with double-digit digs, finished with a team-high 28 digs for Manhattan. Niagara also had four players put up double-figures in the dig category, with three of the four recording at least 21.
Manhattan continues conference play next weekend as they visit Rider University on October 21 at 7:00 p.m. The following day the Lady Jaspers travel to Baltimore, Md. to take on Loyola College at 7:oo p.m.