GAME RECAP
The Canisius volleyball team earned its second win of the weekend on Sunday, as the squad bested Iona, 3-2 (25-27, 25-21, 24-26, 25-19, 15-9). For the second-straight game the Blue and Gold battled back from a 2-1 deficit to force a fifth frame to record the win. Canisius is now 5-12 overall and 3-5 in MAAC play while Iona drops to 3-17 and 1-6 in conference.

With the match tied 1-1, Iona appeared to have taken control of the match, securing a 26-24 third frame victory, to go up 2-1. However the Griffs showed resiliency in the fourth, going on a 15-9 run with the score tied 10-10 to force the final frame.

Canisius wasted little time in the fifth set, going up 4-1 early on, thanks to a Tyler kill and several misfires by the Gaels.

Iona kept fighting, narrowing the deficit to 8-7 midway through the final set but Canisius rolled from there, closing out the frame with a 7-2 run to claim the to the victory.

Despite Iona leading in many categories on the stat sheet, the Griffs got strong performances from key players.

Jacklyn Malusa had another sparkling hitting percentage, posting a mark of .400, recording 14 kills and only two errors in 30 attacks. Tyler led the team in total kills but struggled with consistencies on her ttack, posting a .020 hitting percentage.

Cassidy Ceriani again proved to be a difference-maker, recording 36 assists, and 19 digs to lead the team in both categories.

THOUGHTS FROM COACH VAZQUEZ:
“I think the last two days, Jackie Malusa and Cassidy Ceriani have been what the team has consistently needed when they needed it. If you look at the stats from today and compare us against Iona, the Gaels outscored us on everything. They had a higher hitting percentage, and they blocked more balls. We dug three more balls than them, but the difference was at key moments we had players that stepped up."

GAME NOTES:
• The Griffs won the 38th meeting between the two squads but still trail the all-time series 22-16.
• The Griffs have had the Gaels' number at home, now having won 8 of the last 11 contests at the Koessler Athletic Center.
• The back-to-back five-set wins are the first for the program since Canisius defeated Siena and Marist by scores of 3-2 back on Sept. 20 & 21, 2008.
• Canisius is now 3-1 overall in five-set matches and hold a match 3-1 record when playing at the Koessler Athletic Center.

UP NEXT:
The Griffs close out their homestand with a rivalry game on Thursday, as the squad hosts the Purple Eagles on Thursday night. Game time is set for 7 p.m. and it will be the team's Dig Pink night, where fans are encouraged to wear pink along with the team to help raise awareness for breast cancer.