Charleston, IL - After winning game one in a match against Loyola (Ill.), the Iona College volleyball team dropped its second contest at the EIU Pepsi Challenge hosted by Eastern Illinois University.  The Gaels (0-5) were defeated 3-1 by the Ramblers (2-3).

Two Kristin Allain kills and a hitting error by Loyola saw Iona take a quick 3-0 lead to start the first game.  The Gaels took advantage of a sloppy Rambler team, scoring five of their final six points on Loyola hitting errors for a 30-21 victory.  Iona hit .297 to its opponent's -.026 in the first round.

After a convincing win in game one, the Maroon & Gold could not summon a repeat performance, as Loyola rebounded to win the next three games 30-21, 30-14, and 30-21.

Allain led the Gaels' attack 11 kills while Alyssa Morales recorded 31 assists.  Rookie Brook Terry paced Iona's receivers with 21 digs.  The squad wraps up tournament play later in the day with a 4:30 match against Memphis.