NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY - The Iona College volleyball team dropped its fifth straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference contest in a three-set defeat at Niagara at the Gallagher Center. The defending league champion Purple Eagles defeated the Gaels 25-21, 25-23, 25-17.

Junior OH Alicja Pawelec led Iona with 16 kills and 12 digs to complete a double-double. Junior OH Madisyn Spence had nine kills and freshman MB McKenzie Humann posted seven in the loss. Spence added 12 digs defensively.

Freshman S Natalie Ziskin had her first collegiate double-double with 30 assists and 12 digs. Senior libero Theresa Harvey had a team-high 14 digs.

Niagara was led by the tandem of Kari Honomichl and Ellen Semf with 14 and 13 kills respectively. Honomichl had a team-best 15 digs. Setter Michelle James posted 37 assists.

The Gaels continue their Western New York trip tomorrow afternoon at Canisius.