NEWARK, NJ - The Iona College volleyball team dropped a hard fought five-set decision to NJIT in non-conference action at the Fleisher Center. After taking a 2-1 advantage, the Gaels dropped the fourth and fifth set by just two points in the defeat.

Seniors Catrina Warren and Shannon Ward led the Gaels with 15.5 total points. Warren had 15 kills and 18 digs to go along with an assisted block. Ward posted a season high 13 kills and had two blocks and an ace. Sophomore Karly White posted 10.5 points with seven kills and six blocks. Rookie Kassandra Darnaby had eight kills. Junior Natalie Ziskin and senior Caris Myles split time at setter. Ziskin posted 35 assists and six digs while Myles had 13 assists and seven digs. Red shirt freshman Kate Broadnax had a season best 11 kills while adding four blocks. Senior libero Katie Marabella had her second 30+ dig effort of the season with a match-high 31.

NJIT was led by 20 kills, 12 digs and four blocks by Fran Edmonson. Setter Alyssa Armanda posted 53 assists and 12 digs. Libero Katie Koswick added 16 digs.

The Gaels return to MAAC action this weekend and continue a five-game road trip when they travel to Niagara and Canisius this weekend.