RIVERDALE, NY - The Iona College volleyball team dropped a heartbreaking five-set decision to Manhattan in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at Draddy Gymnasium. After taking a 2-1 lead, the Gaels (13-7, 7-3 MAAC) dropped the fourth and fifth sets in the loss. Set scores were 26-24, 16-25, 25-13, 22-25 and 14-16.

Four different Gaels had double-digit kills. Senior MBs Rachel Whitten and Colleen Genett each had 14 kills in the loss. Whitten had a team-best blocks while Genett recorded four blocks and three aces. Rookie OH Alicja Pawelec posted 13 kills and three blocks while her classmate Madisyn Spence netted her first collegiate double-digit kill effort with 11 kills. She also completed her first double-double with 11 digs.

Senior setter Alyssa Erickson had 50 assists with seven digs, four blocks and three aces. Senior libero Allison Nieters posted 27 digs and senior RS Bethany Schornack matched a career-high with 17 digs.

The Gaels retained their second place standing despite the loss. The team is now locked in a four-way tie for the position with Canisius, Fairfield and Marist.

The Maroon & Gold continues action on the road next weekend travelling to Fairfield on Saturday (Oct. 23) and Marist on Sunday (Oct. 24).