New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College women's volleyball team suffered a tough loss tonight as they fell into a three-game hole against Rider. The Broncs (5-9) shut down the Gaels (3-10) 30-21, 30-24, 30-27.

Iona quickly led game one 2-0 before Rider tied the score, and the Gaels would not see a points lead for the remainder of the game. The lack of offensive drive the squad usually relies on is what hurt the Gaels most in tonight's match. Rider held a 20-9 advantage in kills, and bested Iona 53-42 in total attacks in the first game.

Play was fairly even by both sides through the first half of game two. The Maroon & Gold were at a 15-14 deficit until the Broncs scored four straight unanswered points thanks to ace server Amy Jeary. Rider pulled out the middle-game win with 15-12 and 46-40 leads in kills and attacks respectively.

The Gaels were plagued by errors in game three, committing eleven total. However, the team was able to string together some good strategy and positive spirit to keep the game close until the end. The loss was a harrowing one for Iona and the team's second consecutive shutout.

Standout players for the Gaels were Kendall Paulus and Alyssa Morales. Paulus led the squad with 11 kills, while Morales was tops with 27 set assists. Morgan Young and Megan Dailey followed with seven kills each.

The team gets a day off before heading to Manhattan for a Sunday afternoon match.