NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY - The Iona College volleyball team won its fourth straight match in a three-set victory over Niagara in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Gallagher Center.  The Gaels (13-6, 5-2 MAAC) handled the Purple Eagles (3-15, 1-6 MAAC), 25-13, 25-21, 25-20.

Junior OH Sarah Wiener had nine kills, sophomore MB Colleen Genett posted eight and sophomore OH Rachel Whitten had seven in the victory.  Genett led the way with a .500 hitting percentage putting down her eight kills in 16 attempts with no errors.  She added a team-best six assisted blocks.

Wiener completed a an all-around effort with 11 digs while also posting four blocks.  Sophomore libero Allison Nieters continued her strong play in the back row with 16 digs. Sophomore setter Alyssa Erickson had 25 assists and six digs.

Set 1:
After nine tie scores and four lead changes through the set's first first 22 points, the Gaels broke took the lead for good on a Wiener kill that made the score 12-11.  Iona went on to score 13 of the next 15 points on four straight service points by Erickson, seven straight from Wiener and two side outs to win 25-13. Genett, Wiener and Whitten combined for nine of the team's 10 kills with three a piece

Set 2:
Niagara started off strong by taking a six-point, 10-4, lead early in the set.  The Gaels chipped away at the deficit and matched the Purple Eagles at 17-17.  Three points later, Iona took the lead for good on a Niagara attack error and put the home team away, 25-21.  Whitten led the way with four kills. 

Set 3:
The Gaels once again had to fight back from a deficit when they trailed by four at 12-8.   Rookie MB Rachelle Wilson helped the Gaels cause with seven straight service points including the set's only tie (12-12) and lead change (a point later on a service ace by Wilson).  The Gaels stormed ahead and got out of the gym with a 25-20 set win.

The Gaels return to action tomorrow in a battle of the MAAC's two third place teams when they take on Canisius at the Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY.

GAME SCORES               1  2  3  TEAM RECORDS  
Iona College........ (3) 25 25 25  13-6, 5-2 MAAC
Niagara............. (0) 13 21 20  3-15, 1-6 MAAC