New Rochelle, NY - The excitement was ablaze as the Iona College volleyball team battled to a 3-2 victory over MAAC rival Siena College. The Gaels narrowly pulled out a two point advantage at the end of the deciding fifth game. The squad now holds a 5-12 overall record, moving to 3-5 in conference activity.

The Gaels soared to an early lead in game one thanks to joint kill efforts by Whitney Wright, Megan Dailey, and Morgan Young. Seven straight serves by Beth Holly brought the score to 10-5, as Holly contributed two consecutive service aces in the stretch. Iona held onto the lead from there and took 30-27 win in game one.

The tide would change over the next two games as Siena moved ahead with 30-13 and 30-22 wins. The Maroon & Gold faught back to even things up in game four. Iona banked on strong serves, scoring aces on four occasions. The team held a 12-8 advantage in kills and lead in hitting percentage .195-.056 in the game to come out with a 30-19 victory.

The match would be decided in game five which remained a close competition throughout. Kristin Allain started off serving for the Gaels, who scored three unanswered points right off the bat. The Saints kept up, evening the score at nine all. Both teams matched points from there, taking small steps to a 15-15 tally. An attack error by Siena's Kaui Robello and a kill by Allain finished off the win for Iona.

At the end of the evening, Holly totaled an impressive seven service aces to lead the team. Allain was first for the Gaels in kills and digs with 16 and 15 respectively. Shelby Erb also recorded 15 digs. Alyssa Morales was the top setter for Iona, adding 47 assists.

The squad will try to stretch their winning streak to three as they travel to Fairfield next Sunday, Oct. 15.