NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College volleyball team fell in three sets to the Big East's St. John's in three sets in a strong effort in its 2016 home opener at the Hynes Center. After losing the first set 25-13, the Gaels dropped the second and third with set scores of 25-23 and 25-22.

Sophomore Claire Archibald led the Gaels with nine kills and 15 digs. Junior Kassandra Darnaby posted five kills while sophomore Mia Bonsignore and senior Karly White had four a piece. Sophomore setter Emma Rose had 14 assists and classmate Kait Ferretti had nine. Sophomore libero Jessica Paolucci had a match-high 17 digs.

St. Johns was led by 14 kills from Julia Cast and 29 assists and 13 digs from setter Erica DiMaulo.

Iona hits the road for three games at the 2016 Yale Invitational. The Gaels take on Rutgers and Albany along with the host Bulldogs on Friday and Saturday.