The Iona College volleyball team had a very successful week, as it won three straight home matches to improve to 9-7, with a conference record of 6-2, good for third in the MAAC.

Their first game of the winning streak came on Oct. 1, when they defeated the Rider Broncs in what was arguably their toughest win so far this season. Both teams went back and forth during the first set, but the Gaels took it 26-24. After watching the first set, fans knew they were in for a great game.

Rider came back and took the second set 25-21, as well as the third set, 26-24, to take the lead. The Gaels were down, but not out, as they were able to take the fourth set, 25-21, to force the decisive fifth set.

The last set was no different from the first four, as it was close to the very end. The Gaels were just too much for the Broncs, winning the fifth set, 15-13, to take the match. In all, there were 32 tie scores and 15 lead changes throughout the match.

“This was a great win for us,” said Coach John Killingbeck. “We put ourselves in a hole and had to use mental toughness, great defense and trust in the system to get out of the hole. At the end of the day the lessons we learned from this match are going to be worth more than this one win was.”

Freshman Catrina Warren had a career high with 18 kills, as junior Theresa Harvey recorded 42 digs, one shy of the school record. Sophomore Alicja Pawelec had 16 kills, as well as 16 digs. Sophomore Madisyn Spence recorded 12 kills and 10 digs.

Iona took the great momentum with it into the next day, as it defeated the Loyola Greyhounds in four sets. The Gaels were dominant in their first set, as they took it in impressive fashion, 25-8. The next set wasn’t as easy, but Iona was able to really control the match by winning the second set, 25-19. After losing a tough third set 25-22, Iona bounced back to win the fourth set, 25-18, to end it.

“This last week we talked about how we just need everyone to play to their ability, and if we do that we will be amazed at what we could do as a team,” said Killingbeck. “That showed in our match against Loyola.”

Killingbeck also stated what he thought was the key to victory against the Greyhounds.

“The offense was very balanced with four players hitting over .300 and Nicki, Tamburri had a career high 51 assists.  Also our defense dug another 71 balls for a total of 196 for the weekend and that is huge,” Killingbeck said.

Pawelec contributed 20 kills with 14 digs, as Harvey added 23 digs. Freshman Katie Marabella and sophomore Ellen Carberry stepped up for the Gaels, as they had 12 and 11 digs, respectively.

Iona continued its hot streak on Oct. 8, as they defeated the St. Peter’s Peahens in straight sets. The Gaels handily took the first two sets, 25-15, 25-13, respectively. St. Peter’s gave the Gaels a run in the third set, but it wasn’t enough as Iona took the final set 25-19.

Harvey led the team in digs with 19, as Warren led the team in kills with 13. Freshman Caris Myles was impressive as well, recording 25 assists. 

On Oct. 9, Iona took on the Manhattan Jaspers as they participated in “Dig for the Cure,” which supported fundraising for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This group is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 billion since 1982. The Gaels won in straight sets as the team took pledges for each dig they recorded against the Jaspers. Iona was the perfect team to do it, as they average a MAAC best with 17 digs per set.

Next, the Gaels will go to Fairfield University to take on the Stags on Oct. 15. Then, they will take on Marist in New Rochelle on Oct. 19. Finally, the Gaels will take a crucial trip to Buffalo where they will take on the Canisius Golden Griffins, as well as the defending MAAC champions, the Niagra Purple Eagles, who are currently undefeated in conference play.