LOUDONVILLE, NY – The Iona University volleyball team defeated Siena in a five-set thriller to earn its third straight win and improve to 3-2 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. The determined victory started with a gut wrenching dropped first set that went the Saints' way in a 34-32 decision. The Gaels bounced back from the high-scoring prolonged first set with an outstanding eight services aces in the second. Iona and Siena went back-and-forth in the match all the way to a deciding fifth set, which was won 15-10 by the Maroon & Gold. Three Gaels totaled more than a dozen kills on the night. It was Iona's third straight win over Siena and fourth in the last five meetings dating back the last three seasons.
IONA PERFORMERs
- Reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week Mija Jegers netted three career highs with 20.5 points,16 kills and three service aces, while also tossing in three assisted blocks. The outside hitter hit an efficient .344 on the night.
- Graduate Jen Soto shared a .344 hitting percentage with her rookie teammate, while also tallying 13 kills and three block assists for a 14.5-point outing.
- Senior setter Emma Vu's season-high 26 assists lead all players on the court. The setter also totaled eight digs and three service aces.
- Senior Kenzie Wiggins was key to Gaels' third win in a row, with her own streak of three straight double-doubles. The outside hitter tallied 14 digs and 12 kills.
- Sophomore libero Sanem Bas led all players with 19 digs. The Bursa, Turkey native also counted seven assists and three service aces, both season highs for the Sophomore.
THE OPPONENt
- Sara Wagner posted a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs. An assisted block and an ace brought the senior to 14.5 points on the night.
- Salme Adeele Hollas led the Saints in points with 16.0. The Estonian counted 11 kills, 2 aces, 1 solo block and 4 assisted blocks to add to her points total.
UP NEXT
The Gaels look to keep their momentum swinging into next weekend as they find themselves on another two-part MAAC road trip. The first match will see the Maroon & Gold travel to Massachusetts for a Saturday 1:00 p.m. start vs. Merrimack before they take on Quinnipiac Sunday afternoon in Hamden, Conneticut.
