RICHHMOND, VA - The Iona University volleyball team dropped two matches on the first day of the 2023 VCU Invitational at the Siegel Center. The Gaels (1-5) fell in three sets to the host Rams in their opener before a five-set heartbreaker in the nightcap vs. Radford.

VCU 3, IONA 0 (20-25, 24-26, 18-25)

THE RUNDOWN:

In the tournament opener Friday morning, VCU topped Iona in straight sets. The Gaels best chance at a set win came in the middle frame in the 26-24 defeat. With the score tied at 24, the Rams tallied the next two points to seal the win.

IONA PERFORMERS:

• Sophomore outside hitter Mackenzie Wiggins led with 13 kills with 11 digs.
• Rookie Ava DeGuzman posted seven kills, nine digs and three blocks.
• Senior libero Hope Matschner had 20 digs and successfully fielded 17 of 18 service attempts.

THE OPPONENT:

• VCU's Ana Brangioni led her squad with an 11-kill, 12 dig double-double.

RADFORD 3, IONA 2 (22-25, 17-25, 25-14, 25-20, 13-15)

THE RUNDOWN:

After falling in the first two sets, Iona rallied to knot the match at two a piece after 25-14 and 25-20 wins in the third and fourth sets. Trailing 11-10 in the deciding frame, Radford scored four straight points. The Gaels got within one point at 14-13 before the match winner from the Highlanders. It was the first time the program faced either VCU or Radford.

IONA PERFORMERS:

• Wiggins was the offensive leader again, posting 14 kills and a career-high 27 digs. It was her second double-double in Iona's sixth match of the season. Wiggins added an ace and a block for at 15.5 point effort and was perfect on 28 serve receptions. 
• DeGuzman set career-highs with 11 kills and 14 digs in her first collegiate double-double. She finished with 12 points after adding an ace and committed just one error on 30 serve receptions.
• Matschner had a season-high 27 digs and added an ace offensively.
• Senior Jen Soto matched a season-high with 12 kills and had three blocks for 13.5 points.
• Junior Makenna Casper had career-highs with six kills and four blocks, leading the team with a .400 hitting percentage.
• Rookie Ezzie Thompson registered five kills and also had four rejections.
• Graduate setter Samantha Juran had a 22-assist, 10-dig double-double.
• Rookie Sanem Bas had three aces and eight digs.

THE OPPONENT:

• Three Highlanders recorded double-digit kills led by Emma Young and a 14-kill, 18-dig effort.

UP NEXT

The Gaels complete action at VCU tomorrow when they face Georgetown at 1 p.m.

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