New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College volleyball team ended a two-match winning streak with a 3-0 loss to Central Connecticut tonight at the Hynes Athletics Center.  Despite the defeat, the Gaels (6-10, 4-0) have won four of their last six matches.

The Blue Devils were quick to take control, pulling ahead to a 6-1 lead early in game one and continuing to show dominance in the period.  Down 17-24, Iona strung together three consecutive points on a pair of Central Connecticut errors and a kill by Katie Brilla.  The visitors scored six of the next seven points for a 30-20 win in the first game.

The Maroon & Gold showed determination and focus in game two as the scoreboard step-laddered its way up to a 14-14 tie.  Shelby Erb served for four straight points, leading to a 17-14 Gael edge.  The Blue Devils stopped the streak with a kill by Amanda Bayer and proceeded to tie the game at 19.  Play continued in a similar fashion, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage.  Ahead 29-27, Central Connecticut made two errors followed by a Kimberlee Boogaard service ace.  The Gaels capitalized on another mistake by their opponent to earn the serve for match-point at 30-29.  The Blue Devils scored the next two to move ahead 31-30 before Iona tied things once again at 31-all.  After an exciting battle, Central Connecticut finally managed a 33-31 game two victory. 

The third game also remained close, featuring five tied scores.  Central Connecticut called for a timeout after Iona came back from a 16-11 drought to even the game at 16-16.  When play resumed, the Blue Devils outscored the Gaels 14-8 down the stretch to win game three 30-24 and close out the match.

Kristin Allain and Sarah Wiener each recorded nine kills for Iona, followed by eight from Colleen Gennett.  Alyssa Morales and Allison Nieters put up matching 27's, with 27 assists for Morales and 27 digs for Nieters.  The Gaels travel to face Siena on Saturday (Sep. 29) before returning for a four-match home stand beginning Sunday (Sep. 30).