Wolves swept in season opener to Monroe

SUNY Niagara dropped its season-opening match to Monroe Community College in three sets, 25-18, 26-24, 25-16, in WNYAC play Thursday in Sanborn. 

Sophomore outside hitter Cait Cliffe recorded a team-high nine kills plus nine digs. This was the most digs Cliffe had in a single contest since posting 14 in SUNY Niagara's last meeting against the Tribunes on Oct. 26, 2024 (3-2 loss).

Sophomore setter Ava Gaudy led the Thunderwolves in the serving department with 16 of their 21 assists. Now at 447 career assists, Thursday marked the 19th consecutive contest where Gaudy recorded double-digit assists. Gaudy has now tallied at least 20 assists 13 times in her career, dating back to the Thunderwolves' three-set loss against Jefferson on Sept. 7, 2024.

Freshman outside hitter Ava Roberts posted a team-high 10 digs in her SUNY Niagara debut. Sophomore middle hitter Alexis Majka recorded five kills, tying her career-high from the Thunderwolves' three-set victory versus Mohawk Valley Community College on Oct. 19, 2024. freshman outside hitter Nevaeh Hall had five digs.

Freshman middle hitter Tori Firkins had two kills. Sophomore libero Lydia Tetrault had two digs and freshmen outsider hitters Nevaeh Hall and Sariah Tindal had five digs and one dig, respectively.

The Thunderwolves return to action when they compete in their first Region III pod of the season at Jefferson Community College Saturday in Watertown. SUNY Niagara faces Fulton-Montgomery at Noon followed by a matchup with the host Cannoneers at 2 p.m.