PRINCESS ANNE, MD - The Iona University volleyball team dropped its first two matches at the 2024 Hudson Hawk Invitational hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The Gaels fell in five sets to UNC Asheville in the opener before a four-set loss to host UMES in the night cap.
MATCH ONE: UNC ASHEVILLE 3, IONA 2
The two teams traded set wins in the first four to force a deciding fifth set. The Gaels won the first and third 25-21 and 30-28 and dropped the second and fourth 25-16 and 25-15. The Bulldogs closed out the match with a 15-9 win in the finale.
IONA PEFORMERS
- Senior Kenzie Wiggins led the Gaels with 12 kills, adding two aces and a solo block for a team-best 15.0 points. She posted 12 digs to complete a double-double.
- Rookie Kari Smith recorded 12.0 points with eight kills, three aces and a solo block. She added eight digs.
- Graduate Grace Ehler posted eight kills and a block while hitting a team-best .208.
- Senior setter Emma Vu led with 20 assists and completed a double-double with a team-high 15 digs.
- Sophomore libero Ava DeGuzman posted 10 digs.
THE OPPONENT
- Albertine van der Goot led all performers with 16 kills, hitting .389 with four blocks.
- Setters Riley Barr and Payton Rolfsen combined for 28 assists and 32 digs.
- Libero posted 13 digs.
MATCH TWO: UMES 3, IONA 1
After winning the first set 25-18, the Gaels fell in the final three 25-15, 25-23 and 25-11.
IONA PEFORMERS
- Wiggins set a season-best with 17 kills while hitting .408. She posted an ace and nine digs.
- Rookie Mija Jegers had five kills.
- Vu posted 16 assists and nine digs.
THE OPPONENT
- Ranyla Griggs posted a team-best 17.0 points with 13 kills, two aces and three blocks.
- Nkemjika Ikemefuna led with 14 kills.
- Anisa Dorlouis had a 29-assist, 11-kill, 14-dig triple-double.
UP NEXT
The Gaels complete action in Maryland against Hampton Sunday at 2 p.m.
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