Matschner Libero of the week again
Photo Courtesy of ionagaels.com
The Gaels have already won the same number of games (10) this season as they did throughout the entirety of season last year.
October 8, 2022
Junior women’s volleyball player Hope Matschner, was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Libero of the Week for the third time in four weeks.
The libero has been a standout player for the Gaels the past two years with a total of 492 digs in the 2021 season. Matschner came into Iona as an outside hitter but was moved to the libero position after the coach realized that she was needed more in the back row. She also earned MAAC Libero of the Week once in the 2021 season.
Matschner started out her 2022 season hot as she currently leads the NCAA in digs per set, averaging 6.40. She also ranks third in the country for total digs. The libero sits above players from Bucknell University, Oklahoma University and Wake Forest University.
Matschner earned her first MAAC Libero of the Week honor after her performance in the Iona Gaels Tournament where she also took home tournament MVP honor. She finished the tournament with 89 total digs, averaging 8.09 per set. Matschner tallied a career-high of 40 digs against Providence College in the tournament, which is the most digs in a match from a Gael since 2015.
The libero earned her second honor the following week during the 2022 Seton Hall Invitational Tournament. She had a near perfect receiving percentage of .981 and finished with a total of 71 digs. Matschner then earned her third honor following the opening games of MAAC play against Siena College where she recorded a match-high 26 digs. She also had a match-best 27 digs against Marist College the following day.
Along with her high statistics, Matschner was named 2022 team captain alongside junior Jen Soto and senior Fleur Wiersma. Under their leadership, the Gaels currently have an overall record of 10-6 with a 5-1 in-conference record.
The team remains undefeated at home with a hard-fought victory over Niagara University on Oct. 2. The Gaels won a five-set match after coming back from a set down twice. Big offensive performances helped guide the Gaels to the win. Mackenzie Wiggins led in kills with 19. Nerin Valasakos tallied 14 and Wiersma and Soto both had 12 kills.
The Gaels remain on a four-game win streak and will face Saint Peter’s University at the Run Baby Run Arena in Jersey City, New Jersey at 7 p.m on Oct. 5.
