Buffalo, NY - After leading in the match two games to one, the Iona College volleyball team was beaten in the final two games for a come-from-behind victory by Canisius.  The Gaels (10-14, 7-4) have now lost two straight, after winning four consecutive matches to open the month of October.

Iona came out and controlled the first game by hitting .444 in the round. The Golden Griffins evened the match at one game apiece by building a big lead in the second game and never looking back. Up 10-7, Canisius broke open the game with an 11-4 run.

The Gaels regained the advantage by taking a close third game that featured six ties and three lead changes. Iona put the game away late by winning three straight points when ahead 25-24. In the fourth game, Canisius used a five-point run at the start and never relinquished the lead en route to tying the match at two games apiece to force a deciding fifth game.

Canisius began game five with four straight points en route to a 6-1 initial lead.  Following a timeout, Sarah Wiener batted to kills as Iona scored the next three to pull back within two.  The Griffins outdueled the Gaels 8-6 over the final run to win the game and the match.

Kendall Paulus was strong for the Maroon & Gold, brining in 11 kills, 12 digs, and two block assists.  Kristin Allain had 18 kills and contributed on four assists.  Allison Nieters led the match with 35 digs, while Alyssa Morales had the highest assist total with 54.

Iona will play at Niagara tomorrow (Oct. 21) in a 2:00 pm match.