The Iona women’s volleyball team headed on the road, losing 2-3 to Towson University on Sept. 12. During the first set, they traded off every point until they got to 8 points. Then Towson went on a 10-point run. Eventually, Iona fell behind throughout the whole set, losing 25-15.

Going into the second set, the Gaels won, 25-22. Taylor Timko played a significant role in this set’s win. The Gaels also went on to win the third set. But, Townson proved to be the better team, taking sets four and five.

The Iona Women’s Volleyball Team later faced Lafayette, losing 3-0. Iona lost three straight sets in a row, getting swept by the Leopards. Lafayette was clearly the better team showcasing all of their talent.

On Sept. 13, the Iona Gaels took on Coppin State, getting swept in a best-of-five set. The Gaels trailed for most of the first set, losing 25-15. Onto the second game, the Gaels put up a fight but lost by two points in the second set.

Iona volleyball had another double-header against Princeton and lost the game completely, getting swept in the best-of-five games. Jaylyn Simon was a valuable player in the game, leading with nine assists and playing a vital role by contributing to key factors in the game.

On Sept. 18, Iona volleyball took on Columbia University in New Rochelle. The final score was 3-1.

The Lions edged out the Gaels 25-22 in the opening set and rode a strong start to take the second 25-15. Iona responded in the third, rallying late behind key blocks and kills to secure a 29-27 victory and extend the match. However, Columbia regained control in the fourth, jumping out to an early lead and closing out the set 25-14 to clinch the game.

On Sept. 19, Iona fell to FDU, losing by one set. The final score of the game was 3-2.

Key players to consider include Smith and Leonardo, who made significant contributions and achieved a season high in both kills and digs. Smith had 13 kills and 12 digs. Leonardo had 17 digs and 15 kills.

On Sept. 20, Iona women’s volleyball fell 3-1 to Long Island University.

Iona opened their first set with a 25-21 win, led by Kari Smith’s six kills and Julia Leonardo’s seven digs. LIU bounced back in the second set with a decisive 25-20 victory despite Smith adding another six kills.

The Sharks rallied late in the third, erasing a Gaels lead to steal the set 25-22. In the fourth, freshman Gabby Taylor’s standout performance kept Iona close, but LIU held on for a 25-21 win to take the match 3-1.