College Volleyball
Iona College 3, Rider University 1
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Match

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.—The Rider University volleyball team had its seven-match undefeated run in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference snapped at Iona College on Sunday with the Gaels prevailing 3-1.

Iona (4-15, 2-6 MAAC) won 25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 26-24 over first place Rider (12-10, 7-1 MAAC).

“We were extremely undisciplined today,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.  “I feel that we gave away at least a set and a half with errors.  It just wasn't our day.  While we certainly aren't happy we lost, this presents an opportunity for growth, perseverance and accountability.”

For the Broncs, junior Kaitlyn Griffin (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory) had 14 kills but was forced by the Gael defense into nine errors.  Griffin had six blocks and had 17 blocks for the weekend as Rider won at Manhattan in five sets on Saturday.

Also for Rider, junior Ryan Ackermann (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) had 11 digs and nine kills and sophomore Jennifer Borio (Ridley Park, Pa./Padua Academy) had 13 kills.

Sophomore Emma Aldaya (Prospect Park, Pa./Merion Mercy Academy) led Rider with 30 digs and senior Brandie Hill (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) had a team-high 21 assists with sophomore Veronica Koval (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) adding 20 assists.

Iona improves to 27-7 all-time against Rider and this is the second season in a row that the teams have split the regular season series.  In 2014 each team also won on its home court with both matches going five sets.

Rider defeated Iona 3-0 in Lawrenceville, earlier this season on September 9.

“You never want to take anything away from your opponent,” Feliciano said.  “Iona played much better than they did a month ago in our gym.  Saying that however, we played much worse and this may be the worst match we've played all season.  A positive is that we still had a chance to force a fifth set, losing the fourth by a 26-24 score.  I'm happy that we fought and this is an opportunity for us to grow.  We can get better from this and I'm hoping we see that.”

The Broncs host Niagara October 17 in Alumni Gymnasium, beginning at 1pm.

“Yes there is parity in the conference but today is all on us,” Feliciano added.  “Win or lose, we are always looking for opportunities to improve and if this makes us focus a little more in the second half of the conference season then it is a valuable lesson as we make a push to the playoffs.”

-RU-