NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona University Volleyball team hosted Canisius as they returned to the Hynes Center for the first time in 20 days. The Homecoming weekend matchup saw the Maroon & Gold look to avoid a three-game losing skid versus a strong Canisius side looking for their third win out of four.  
 

Both sides staged a close affair from the first serve, with six tied scores and two lead changes in the first set that were both the most per set across the match. Kenzie Wiggins tallied the most kills in the first for the Gaels with four, but Canisius would break away and Iona would drop the first set 19-25. 

Subbed on down four at match point, rookie Kari Smith brought the match within one point after a service ace, but the Maroon & Gold ultimately dropped the second set 23-25. 

Halfway into the third, Iona found themselves down five but quickly clawed back. The Maroon & Gold would snag their first set win on the afternoon after Jen Soto's kill notched the 25th point in a 25-21 set victory. The Phoenix, Arizona native powered the Gaels through with 6 kills, hitting .500. 

The fourth set started strong for Iona as they took the first four points of the set, but a six point scoring run would put the Griffins back in the lead, and they woulnd't look back. Canisius would take the fourth set 25-19, and leave New Rochelle with a 3-1 victory. 

IONA PERFORMERS

• Jen Soto led the Gaels with an impressive 15.5 point outing. The Graduate Student hit .357, tallying 13 kills, three assisted blocks and one solo block. 
• Mija Jegers ended the afternoon two kills short of a double double, with eight kills and 10 digs. The  two-time 2024 MAAC Rookie of the Week also posted a career-high three service aces.  
• Sophomore Buse Tinaz tallied an outstanding eight assisted blocks in the match, a season-high that brings her season total to 30. The middle blocker also notched four kills. 
• Graduate Student Grace Ehler counted nine kills, one service ace, and three assisted blocks for a 11.5 point outing. 
• Senior duo Emma Vu and Jordan Ader tossed out 25 and 21 assists respectively. 
• Sanem Bas, Ava DeGuzman, and Avery Gaume found themselves in the double digit digs club with 11, 14, and 11 respectively. 

The opponent

• Kara Zaucha led all players on the court with 16 kills. The Senior hit .467 on the night with one service ace and 7 digs 
• Lauren Hubert totaled 17.0 points off of 15 kills and two service aces. 

Up next

The Maroon & Gold Complete Homecoming weekend tomorrow vs. Niagara. First serve from The Hynes Center is set for 1:00 p.m.