LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Sophomore OH Alicja Pawelec's 21 kills were not enough for the Iona College volleyball team in a three-set loss to Rider at Alumni Gym. Pawelec is the first Gael to record 20 or more kills in three sets since 2005.

Rider took the lead early in the first set and never let go. After trailing 11-4 early, the Gaels scored four straight to get the set within three points. Iona also got to within three at 19-16 but could not get any closer in the 25-20 set loss. Set two featured nine ties including the last at 22-22, but the Broncs scored the final three points to win 25-22. Thirteen ties and three lead changes were featured in the third set, but Rider rallied for the final two points in the 26-24 set and match win.

Pawelec hit .304 with her 21 kills on 56 attempts (four errors). She completed her 12th double-double of the year with 11 digs. Freshman MB Catrina Warren had eight kills and five digs while sophomore OH Madisyn Spence added six and six. 

Senior S Nicole Tamburri chipped in 34 assists and eight digs. Defensively, junior libero Theresa Harvey posted 23 digs while sophomore DS Ellen Carberry had 14 digs in the loss.

The Gaels continue action on the road tomorrow at Loyola.