NEW YORK, NY- The Iona College volleyball team used a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive presence  in a three-set win over Central Connecticut in its opening match at the Columbia Invitational. Three different Gaels had nine kills each as the squad topped the Blue Devils for the first time since the 2003 season.

Iona improved to 5-3 on the season with the 25-23, 25-20, 25-18 victory. The squad snapped a five-match slide against Central Connecticut dating back to a conference championship tune up on Nov. 11, 2003 to end the regular season.

Senior MBs Rachel Whitten and Colleen Genett and freshman OH Alicja Pawelec posted nine kills apiece. Genett added five assisted blocks for a team best 11.5 points. Pawelec had three and Whitten had two rejections in the win. Senior S Alyssa Erickson posted her fourth double-double of the year with 32 assists and 14 digs while posting two aces.

In addition the Maroon & Gold's 8.5 team blocks, the Gaels back row was instrumental in the win. Senior libero Allison Nieters averaged 8.7 digs per set with a team best 26. Her classmate - DS Laura Fojanesi - had a season-best 11.

Iona completes their non-conference slate and action at the Columbia Invitational tomorrow when they take on Lafayette at 1:30 pm and the host Lions. Log on to ICGaels.com for live stats for both matches and a live video feed and blog courtesy of GoColumbiaLions.com for the nightcap.