NEW HAVEN, CT – The Iona College volleyball team dropped its opening match of the Yale Tournament to Rutgers in four sets.  After falling in the first two sets, the Gaels were able to take set three before dropping the final set.

The Scarlett Knights won the first two sets 25-22 and 25-21.  The Gaels arose to the challenge in set three, 25-22, before Rutgers took the final set 25-18.

Sophomore Claire Archibald let Iona with a season-high 18 kills and 20.5 points scored.  Senior Karly White recorded eight kills and one block while sophomore Mia Bonsignore tallied a season-high seven kills and five blocks, three of which solo.  Junior Taylor Bannister added in seven kills and one assisted block.

Sophomore Jessica Paolucci led the Maroon & Gold with 11 digs.  Sophomore Kait Ferretti and Archibald each totaled nine.  Ferretti led Iona with 35 assists.

Junior Meme Fletcher led Rutgers with a team-high 13 kills on 33 attempts.  Freshman Megan Sharkey had 19 assists and junior Talia Holze led the program with 22.  The Scarlett Knights had five players with over five kills, and just one player with a negative attack percentage.

Iona continues its tour of the Yale Tournament tomorrow against the host Bulldogs and Albany Great Danes at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM respectively.