RIVERDALE, NY - The Iona University Volleyball team defeated Manhattan in three-sets (25-21, 28-26, 25-12) on Saturday afternoon at Draddy Gymnasium. With the road win, Iona improves to 13-7 overall and 8-2 in MAAC play.

Match SUMMARY

Set 1 (25-21)

Led by a balanced offensive attack, with kills from Elena Bianchi, Nerin Valasakos, Julia Thomas and Mackenzie Wiggins, the Gaels opened up an early double-digit lead. After an ace from Emma Vu, the lead grew to its largest at 18-7, but despite trailing 23-14, the Jaspers climbed back into the frame, using a 7-1 run. However, on the following point, the Gaels managed to close out the opening set on a service error to grab the early lead. 

Set 2 (28-26)

After exchanging leads, the Jaspers managed to take a 13-9 lead following a kill from Julia Menocal. Despite trailing the Gaels continued to stay within striking distance, as kills from Jen Soto and Emma Jacobs cut the deficit to 20-19. After an error from the Gaels, the Jaspers found themselves two points away from the set but a 4-0 from Iona, changed the outlook of the set. Both teams traded points, but after Iona battled off a set point to deadlock the frame, the Gaels carried that momentum, winning the final two points to take the back-and-forth set.

Set 3 (25-12)

Iona managed to grab control of the third set, jumping out to a 7-2 lead following kills from Soto, Bianchi and Valasakos. After Wiggins chipped in her fourth kill of the frame, the lead stretched to 17-7 and leading 24-12, Morgan Madasz sealed the Gaels victory with a kill, giving the Gaels their third straight victory over the Jaspers.

STAT LEADERS

ON OFFENSE

• Vu poured in a career-high 27 assists and five kills in the victory. 
• Bianchi and Wiggins led the offensive attack with nine kills each in the win.
• Soto (7) Thomas (6) Valasakos (6) rounded out the offensive attack for the Gaels in the win.

ON DEFENSE

• Hope Matschner led the defensive efforts with a match-high 18 digs.
• Wiggins (8) Bianchi (7) and Vu (5) all chipped in defensively in the Gaels sweep.
• Bianchi (5) and Thomas (4) each recorded a season-high in blocks.

UP NEXT:

The Gaels will begin a three-game week on the road next Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Rider, as Iona will look to complete the season sweep over the Broncs.