BOX SCORE

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The University of Hartford volleyball team dropped its season opener in three sets (25-12, 25-20, 25-17) to the Niagara Purple Eagles in the opening match of the La Salle Invitational. Hartford was led in the match by sophomore Kami Nethersole who finished with 13 kills, a match high.

Nethersole finished as the only Hawk to record double digit kills, while Lindsay Makowicki finished with five. Senior setter Lindsay Ford marshaled the Hawks offense, finishing with a double double in the first match of the season with 19 assists and 11 digs, both leading the team.

Defensively, Danielle Etta finished with nine digs and Michelle Cordell finished with seven to follow Ford's team best 11. Sophomore Sydney Scott led the Hawks blocking efforts with five total blocks, one solo and four block assists, while Cordell and Ford each added a pair of block assists.

As a team, the Hawks hit just 10 percent for the match with 26 kills and 13 errors in 89 total attacks. Niagara outhit Hartford, finishing the match with a 37 percent effort on 46 kills and 10 errors in 97 total attacks. Leading the Purple Eagles hitters was Hannah Hendrick who finished with 11 kills.

The Hawks volleyball team will play a pair of matches on Saturday to close out play at the La Salle Invitational. Hartford will open the day against Valparaiso at 1:00 p.m. before taking on the host Explorers at 7:00 p.m. GameTracker live stats are available for both matches, while La Salle will provide a live video feed (subscription required) for the 7:00 p.m. match. Links can be found on the volleyball scheduled page.