NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In its final non-conference game of the 2015 season, the Iona College volleyball team defeated that Hartford Hawks in four sets; 18-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-17. Freshman Claire Archibald led the Gaels with 14 kills on .303 hitting percentage, and senior Natalie Ziskin contributed a team-high 20 assists.
The Maroon & Gold entered into the match riding a wave of confidence after defeating the previously conference unbeaten Rider Broncs on Sunday. Iona took some time to get acclimated against the Hawks, recording a match-low .125 kill percentage in the first set. In comparison, Hartford had their best offensive flow in their one victorious set, hitting .385 percent of their kills.
With a deep breath after losing the opening set, head coach John Killingbeck saw the Iona offense get on track in the second set. From that moment, the Gaels did not look back, and they went on to win their second consecutive match in as many days.
Junior Karly White had 12.5 points earned for the Maroon & Gold, recording 10 kills and five assisted blocks. Freshman Kait Ferretti had 16 assists in her time on the court, setting up teammates Amanda Gannon and Taylor Bannister for many of their respective six kills apiece.
Rookie Jessica Paolucci had a team high 16 digs. Archibald would add in 11 digs throughout the contest to earn herself the double-double. Freshman Kate Brodnax added in 10 digs of her own.
After Hartford hit on over 35% of their kills attempts in the first set, they would struggle immensely the rest of the match against the Iona defense; its percentage would drop every set regressing from .212, to .048, to -.057.
Iona next match will be a MAAC matchup this Saturday, Oct. 17 at home against the Quinnipiac Bobcats.