NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College volleyball team earned a three-set sweep at Canisius in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. Sophomore OHs Alicja Pawelec and Madisyn Spence combined for 21 of the Gaels' 40 kills in the victory.

The Maroon & Gold quickly erased a 3-0 deficit and took the lead for good after breaking a 10-10 tie in set one. The 25-19 final score matched the largest lead of the set for Iona.

The Gaels cruised in the second set, quickly jumping out to an 11-3 advantage. The Golden Griffins were not able to get within seven points the rest of the way in a 25-14 set two win.

Iona closed the match out with a fast start in the final set, leading 7-1. Canisius climbed back to tie at 13-13 and even took a momentary lead at 14-13, 16-15, and 17-16. With the score tied at 18-18, Iona closed the match with a 7-3 run in the 25-21 finale.

Pawelec led the way with 11 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. She completed her team-leading 10th double-double with 12 digs. Spence hit .500 with 10 kills on 20 attempts. The Gaels hit .309 as a team. Freshman MB Catrina Warren had six kills, junior MB Molly O'Shea added five (.400 pct) and sophomore RS Kelsey Hess had four in the win.

Senior S Nicole Tamburri posted 34 assists with three kills, two digs, two blocks and an ace. Junior libero Theresa Harvey posted an Iona-best 16 digs.

Canisius' Olivia Chrzanowski's seven kills led the way for the home team. Setter Janelle Davis posted 22 assists while libero Allyson Severyn had 19 digs in the loss.

The Gaels continue action in Western NY tomorrow when they face current MAAC unbeaten Niagara at 2:00 pm.