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October 7, 2015Saints Turn Back Canisius, Complete Western New York Sweep
Freshman Darby Taylor tied for a match-high with 15 kills, and libero Kalehua Katagiri led all players with 21 digs in Siena’s 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-19 and 25-18) win at Canisius Sunday afternoon. The Saints improve to 5-1 in MAAC play with the victory, and will host their next five conference contests.
Taylor finished off a strong weekend after returning to the rotation for the first time since suffering an injury on Opening Day in Atlanta on August 28. Four of her 15 kills came in the decisive fourth set.
Junior Briana Flagg added 14 kills on the outside for the Saints. Sonja Vasovic and Christina Monroe each had seven.
Siena setter Haley Howell handed out 42 assists, and completed her team-leading seventh double-double of the season with 11 digs.
The Saints’ defense was in top form, led by Katagiri. Four players reached double figures in digs in just four sets, including Flagg who registered her fifth double-double of the season. Samantha Pethokoukis killed seven of her 17 attacks and added four blocks.
Kiara Pierre, Erin Bies and Bobbi Lin Kalama kept the Girffs off balance with their aggressive floating services. Pierre had her fourth straight multi-ace game in the victory.
Siena set the tone for its victory with an impressive 25-18 victory in the first set. Canisius scored five of the last six points to take the second set 25-20, but Siena scored six of the final eight in the third to post a 25-19 win. The fourth set was tied 12-12 before Howell and Flagg served Siena on an 8-1 run that iced the match.
Katlyn Tyler matched Taylor’s 15 kills and added a team-high 13 digs in the loss for Canisius.
Siena hosts archrival Fairfield (Saturday) and Quinnipiac (Sunday) next weekend.
