NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona University volleyball team fell to Quinnipiac in four sets in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play at the Hynes Center. After dropping the first two sets 25-23 and 25-14, the Gaels rallied to take set three 25-23 and had several chances to force a deciding set in a marathon 32-30 defeat in the final frame.

SET 1 (QUINNIPIAC 25, IONA 23)

Nine tie scores and four lead changes highlighted the opening set between the Gaels and Bobcats. The final tie score at 19-19 was busted by a decisive 4-0 run by Quinnipiac. Iona closed within one point at 24-23 before the final point by the visitors. Sophomore Mackenzie Wiggins started the match strong, posting six kills on 17 attempts and was 9-for-9 on serve receptions. Senior Tamara Pichardo had 11 assists and senior Hope Matschner posted eight digs.

SET 2 (QUINNIPIAC 25, IONA 14)

The Gaels never led in the second set. After closing a five point deficit to 15-13, Iona allowed seven straight points to help the Bobcats pull away. The freshman tandem of Ava DeGuzman and Ezzie Thompson had three kills apiece to lead the Maroon & Gold.

SET 3 (IONA 25, QUINNIPIAC 23)

The third set featured 11 tie scores and six lead changes. Quinnipiac last led 20-19. The final tie score was 21-21. Iona rallied for three straight points for a set-point 24-21 advantage and brought home the set on its third try. Thompson was 4-for-9 on attack attempts and three-other Gaels had multiple kills in the frame. Matschner posted 12 digs and Pichardo 11 assists.

SET 4 (QUINNIPIAC 32, IONA 30)

Each team had four tries to put the other away in the match, but it was the Bobcats that finally broke through. The Bobcats also used a 4-0 run trailing 24-20 to lengthen the set and ultimately give themselves the chance to pull it out. Thompson and DeGuzman each had five kills, Pichardo assisted on 19 of the Gaels' 20 kills and Matschner added eight digs and was 15-for-15 in serve receptions. The difference maker on the other side of the net for the Bobcats was Ginevra Giovagnoni who exploded for 10 kills in the set win.

IONA PERFORMERS

• Thompson and DeGuzman had 14 kills each to lead the Gaels.
• Thompson led with 17.5 points adding five blocks. She hit .448 on a season-high 29 attempts.
• DeGuzman's kill total was a season-best for the rookie. She added 11 digs for her second collegiate double double.
• Wiggins had a 13-kill, 11-dig double double.
• Senior Jen Soto posted eight kills.
• Matschner had 33 digs and was 36-for-36 on serve receptions.
• Pichardo posted 48 assists and had six digs.

THE OPPONENT

• Giovagnoni led with 24 kills. She added 13 digs and a block.
• Alexandra Tennon had 14 kills and 16 digs.
• Setter Damla Gunes posted 49 assists and libero Aryanah Diaz had 20 digs.

UP NEXT

The Gaels face another tough test at home when they host Fairfield at 1 p.m. tomorrow (October 1).

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