NEW YORK, NY- The Iona College volleyball team split its two matches at the Columbia invitational.  The Gaels swept Quinnipiac in three sets before a four-set loss to the host Lions.

The Gaels made quick work of the Bobcats in the first game 25-21, 25-16, 25-16.   Sophomore setter Nicole Tamburri had 30 assists and completed her second double-double of the season with 12 digs.   Senior OH Sarah Wiener hit .409 with 10 kills in 22 attempts.  She also recorded two aces and two assisted blocks for a team best 13.0 points.   Sophomore MB Molly O'Shea had seven kills, three aces and an assisted block for 10.5 points. 

Defensively, junior libero Allison Nieters posted 15 digs for a 5.0 per set average.  Junior MB Colleen Genett had three blocks in the win.

In the nightcap, the Lions came back for a set one defeat and won three straight in the 25-22, 17-25, 26-28, 15-25 win.  Wiener posted 13 kills and 16.5 points with an ace, a block solo and three assisted block.  O'Shea and Genett had 12 and 11 kills respectively.

Four Gaels recorded double-digit digs led by rookie OH Theresa Harvey's career-best 19.  She missed a double-double by just one kill.  Nieters posted 17 while junior DS Bethany Schornack had 16 and classmate Laura Fojanesi had 10.

Junior setter Alyssa Erickson had 31 assists and Tamburri chipped in 14.

The Gaels begin MAAC play next weekend with two games in Western NY as they take on Niagara and Canisius.