WEST ORANGE, NJ - The Iona University volleyball program earned their fourth consecutive victory to start the season, defeating Akron in five-sets (25-20, 21-25, 22-25, 25-18,15-11) in game one of the Seton Hall tournament. Trailing two sets to one, the Gaels rallied led by double-doubles from Jen Soto and Samantha Juran. Iona's 4-0 start continues the team's best start to a season this century.

Match SUMMARY

Set 1 (25-20)

Fleur Wiersma led the charge for the Gaels in the opening set, pouring in seven of her 13 kills in the frame. Leading 8-7, Iona used a 6-2 run to create some separation with Morgan Madasz chipping in two kills during the stretch. Akron got as close as four but back-to-back kills from Wiersma extended the lead and a Zips attack error gave Iona the opening set, 25-20.

Set 2 (21-25)

The second set saw a match-high 10 ties and 6 lead changes in the back-and-forth frame. The Gaels fell behind 8-3 but quickly battled back to even up the set at 12 after back-to-back kills from Mackenzie Wiggins and Wiersma. Iona then grabbed the next two points but Akron responded with a 3-0 run to retake the lead. Tied at 17, Greta Stjade and Wiersma poured in consecutive kills both assisted from Tamara Pichardo but like all set, Akron answered with a 7-1 run to finally pull away and take control of the frame.

Set 3 (22-25)

Using momentum from the previous set, Akron grabbed the first three points but an attack error and kills from Soto and Wiersma quickly evened up the score. Ahead 8-7, the Zips managed a 6-2 run to extend the lead but this time Iona answered with a run. The Gaels rallied off seven straight points, taking advantage of four attack errors to take a 17-15 lead. Soto poured in a kill to give Iona a 22-21 lead but Akron responded winning the set's final four points. 

Set 4 (25-18)

Tied at 1, Soto recorded a kill that gave the Gaels the lead for good in the set. Iona managed an early season best 17 kills in the frame with Nerin Valasakos adding all five of her kills in the set. Leading 19-16 a kill and ace from Stjade gave Iona its biggest lead of the frame and leading 24-18 an Akron attack error brought the match to a decider. 

Set 5 (15-11)

Similar to the third set, the Zips won the first three points but Iona responded with a momentum turning 7-2 run. Stjade's kill broke the tie for good and leading 14-11, Soto clinched the come from behind victory for the Gaels with a kill. 

STAT LEADERS

ON OFFENSE

Stjade, Wiersma and Soto each reached double figures in kills with 15, 13 and 10 while Madasz added a season-high eight. Juran added a match-best and new season-high 26 assists while Pichardo chipped in a new season-best as well with 25. 

ON DEFENSE

Hope Matschner finished with a match-high 26 digs while Juran and Soto both reached double figures in digs with 12 and 10. 

UP NEXT:

The Gaels will play two matches tomorrow, the first scheduled for 10:30 AM against George Mason and then in the nightcap versus the host, Seton Hall at 7:00 PM.

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