FAIRFIELD, CT - The Iona College volleyball team dropped a hard-fought five set decision in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at Fairfield this afternoon. After rallying back from a set behind in both frames two and four, the Stags outlasted the Gaels 16-14 in the deciding set.

Fairfield earned a marathon set one win at 34-32. The Gaels bounced back with a convincing 25-14 win in the next frame but stumbled in the third with a 25-11 loss. The Maroon & Gold held on 25-22 to force a deciding set. After erasing a 12-7 deficit in the last set with a 7-2 run, Iona surrendered the final two points in the match.

Sophomore OH Alicja Pawelec had her third 20+ kill effort of the season and her team-leading ninth double-double with 20 kills and 11 digs in the loss. She also matched her season-best with three blocks. 

Rookie MB Catrina Warren posted 14 kills and a .290 hitting percentage with a career-high nine digs and along with five blocks and a dig. Sophomore OH Madisyn Spence chipped in 13 kills.

Senior setter Nicole Tamburri posted her first double-double of the season with 48 assists and a career-best 17 digs. Her five kills on 11 attempts led to a season-high and team-best .455 hitting percentage.

Junior libero Theresa Harvey had her second-career 30+ dig effort with an even 30. She converted 40-of-42 serve receptions, more than 40% of Iona's returns in the contest. Rookie DS Katie Marabella added nine digs in the contest.

Fairfield was led by Brianna Dixion's 21 kills. Setter Rachel Romansky posted 58 assists and libero Kara Reis had 32 digs in the win.

The Gaels return to action at home on Wednesday night when they host Marist for a 7:00 pm tilt.