JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Iona University volleyball team closed out its New Jersey weekend against the Saint Peter's Peacocks, rallying from a 2-1 deficit to complete the comeback and secure a five-set victory.
the rundown: IONA: 3, SAINT PETER'S: 2
SET 1: The Maroon and Gold found themselves trailing early as the Peacocks jumped out to an 8-2 lead. The Gaels responded with a 6-2 run sparked by a combined block from sophomore Emma Koceja and senior Buse Tinaz. Junior Kari Smith added three kills during the stretch to bring Iona within two at 10-8. Saint Peter's answered with a 7-2 run to extend its lead to 17-10. However, the Gaels continued to battle, scoring six consecutive points to cut the deficit to one at 17-16. Another combined block from Koceja and Tinaz tied the set at 18. The teams traded points from there, reaching a 21-21 deadlock. A Peacocks attack error followed by a block from freshman Reese Henderson and sophomore Gabby Taylor gave Iona a two-point advantage. The Gaels maintained their composure down the stretch, as sophomore Julia Leonardo closed out the set with a kill to secure a 26-24 victory.
SET 2: Saint Peter's opened the second set strong, jumping out to a 5-1 lead. The Gaels battled to stay within striking distance, as a kill from Henderson brought Iona within two at 12-10. However, the Peacocks created separation with a 7-3 run to build a 19-13 advantage. Iona was unable to generate a late rally, as Saint Peter's closed out the set with a 6-2 run to earn a 25-16 victory and even the match at one set apiece.
SET 3: Saint Peter's carried its momentum into the third set, opening with a 4-2 run. Iona responded after a Peacocks attack error sparked a 5-1 stretch, capped by a combined block from senior Ezzie Thompson and Smith, to cut the deficit to 7-5. Saint Peter's answered with a 6-1 run to extend its lead to 11-8. After several back-and-forth rallies, the Peacocks held a 15-12 advantage before the Gaels used a 4-2 run to pull within one at 17-16. Smith followed with a kill to spark a 5-2 run that gave Iona a 21-20 lead. However, Saint Peter's responded with a 5-2 run of its own to close out the set, earning a 25-23 victory and moving within one set of the match win.
SET 4: Leonardo opened the fourth set with a kill, helping spark a 4-2 run for the Gaels. Saint Peter's pulled within one at 6-5 before Iona responded with a 6-2 run, capped by another kill from Leonardo, to build a 12-7 advantage. The teams continued to trade runs, with Iona maintaining an 18-16 lead. A combined block from Tinaz and Ferng helped ignite a 4-2 stretch that extended the Gaels' advantage to 22-18. Iona held strong down the stretch, closing out the set with a 25-21 victory to force a decisive fifth set.
SET 5: Saint Peter's struck first in the decisive set, building an early 5-2 lead. The Gaels responded with a commanding 8-1 run, featuring two kills each from Smith and Ferng, along with two service aces from Tinaz, to take a 10-6 advantage. With momentum on their side, Iona continued to push toward completing the comeback. The Gaels closed out the set by scoring three consecutive points, with a solo block from Tinaz sealing a 15-10 victory. Iona completed the comeback from two sets down to earn the five-set win.
IONA PERFORMERS
- Leonardo led the attack with a season-high 23 kills.
- Junior Jaylyn Simon paced the offense with a team-high 30 assists, followed by freshman Grace Daniels with 28 assists.
- Junior Avery Gaume anchored the defense with a career high 36 digs.
- Tinaz led the Gaels at the net with five total blocks.
THE OPPONENT
- Pagan Munoz led the Peacocks with 19 kills.
- Whaley totaled four blocks on the evening,
- Fargas paced the Peacocks offense with 30 assists.
- Ververaki led the defense with 19 digs.
NEXT MATCH
The Maroon and Gold return to action on Friday as they travel to Fairfield to face off against Sacred Heart for a pivital Metro match, First serve is schedule for 7 p.m.
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