WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Iona University volleyball team faced off against Central Connecticut in their final match of the 2025 Seton Hall Classic. The Maroon and Gold were dominant from start to finish as they swept the Blue Devils 3-0. After a close first set, the Gaels defense held the Blue Devils to under 20 points in the final two sets.
THE RUNDOWN: Iona 3, CCSu 0
SET 1: The set began as a tight battle with both teams trading points until the Maroon & Gold strung together six unanswered to pull ahead of the Blue Devils. A late 5-1 run from the Blue Devils closed the gap and kept the set within reach, but the Gaels ultimately secured the win 25-23 on a service error.
SET 2: The Gaels fell into an early four-point deficit after four straight kills to start the set, but the Maroon & Gold battled their way back. A kill from freshman
Emma Koceja gave them a one-point lead, and from there momentum swung fully in their favor. The Gaels caught fire with a 9-3 run that stretched the lead to seven as they closed in on set point. Sophomore
Taylor Timko sealed the frame with a powerful kill to secure a 25-17 win for the Gaels.
SET 3: After falling behind by three in the opening points, the Maroon & Gold responded with a dominant 9-1 run to take control of the set. From there it was all Gaels, as they limited Central Connecticut to just 11 points the rest of the way. Freshman
Julia Leonardo closed it out with a kill to seal the 25-14 win.
IONA Performers
- Leonardo had a career day, as she led the Gaels in kills and points with 12 and 19 respectively which are both new career highs. Her attack percentage on the day was .524.
- Caleigh Schroeder was the leader in assists as she had 19 total on the day. She also led the team in digs with 13.
- Leonardo and junior Ezzie Thompson were a force to be reckoned with in the front line as they both had six block assists.
THE OPPONENT
- Olivia Keckler led the way in kills for the Blue Devils with nine
- Anja Milosevic had a team high 27 assists.
UP NEXT
The Maroon & Gold return to action on September 12, as they travel to Maryland to face off against Towson and Lafayette to tip off the 2025 Towson/Coppin State Invitational. The first match of the double header is set to begin at 10:30 A.M. and the second match is set to begin at 3 P.M.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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