NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona College volleyball program resumed its winning MAAC ways on Saturday afternoon with a four set win (26-24, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23) against the Canisius College Golden Griffins. Senior
Claire Archibald led the way with a season-best effort.
MATCH SUMMARY
Iona won the first set 26-24. The Gaels were down 16-14, but a four-point stretch following a timeout allowed for a momentum shift that would carry through. Sophomore
Taylor Cole served the file three points of the spurt which included two service aces. Sophomore
Jamie Smith concluded the first set with two straight kills off assists from senior
Emma Rose.
The Gaels pulled out the second set 25-21 using a match-best .529 team hitting percentage to its advantage. They had 20 kills on 34 attempts and committed just two errors.
Following the intermission, the Golden Griffins took down the Gaels 25-20. Canisius hit a match-best .379. The Gaels had a 10-9 edge, but a quick 5-1 rush by the Golden Griffins, anchored by a pair of kills from Sara Wesley, changed the tenure.
Iona won the fourth and final set despite both teams hitting their worst percentages of the day. The Gaels had 10 errors but three key service aces from Archibald, Cole and junior
Tess Connolly secured the MAAC victory.
STATISTICAL NOTES
- Archibald had a season-best 23 kills and 24 points. She also wrapped up her fourth straight double-double with 10 digs. Archibald has a double-double in all but one match this season.
- Iona had a MAAC season-best 65 kills. It's season-high of 70 came against the New Hampshire Wildcats on Sept. 1.
- The Gaels .274 hitting percentage is its second-highest of the season. It's season-best .325 came in the MAAC-opener against Manhattan Sept. 15.
- Rose led the Gaels with 58 a season-best assists. She also had a 2018-high 13 digs and two blocks.
- Junior Jessica Paolucci had 20 digs. Her second straight 20+ dig effort, and her fifth this season.
UP NEXT
Iona's next game is at home against the Niagara Purple Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 30. The game is being broadcasted on
ESPN3.
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