The Canisius volleyball team fell in straight sets to Iona this afternoon from New Rochelle, N.Y., 25-20, 25-20, 25-18, in its second to last game of the 2016-17 season. With the loss, the Griffs move to 7-19 overall, while owning a 5-12 record in MAAC play.

The Blue and Gold kept things competitive in the first set, closing the Gaels lead to four down the stretch, but were unable to find a way to take the set.

The Griffs saw a similar result in set two, losing by the same score, while being tied with Iona at 17 and trailing 20-19 before the eventual loss.

The Gaels would go on a 4-0 run midway through the third set and the Griffs were unable to close the gap to less than three, as Canisius suffered its first loss of the season to Iona after beating the Gaels in five sets on Oct. 9.

Senior Katelyn Tyler led the Griffs on offense, recording twelve kills, while also tallying a team-high 17 digs. Freshman Cassidy Ceriani recorded a game high 31 assists to go along with six digs.

For Iona, Claire Archibald recorded double-figure kills with 11 and added 10 digs. Jessica Paolucci led the Gaels with 17 digs.

THOUGHTS FROM COACH VAZQUEZ
“We gave them too many points early in the match,” said head coach Lenika Vazquez. “Iona gained momentum and we didn't respond well as a group. Individually we had good performances by Katie Tyler and Sara Wesley offensively. But we play a team sport and need all to play their roles in order to have success.”

GAME NOTES
• Sophomore Sara Wesley recorded eight kills on zero errors for an attack percentage of .800, while also adding two digs.
• Freshman Leah Simmons had a team-high three blocks for the Blue and Gold.
• Senior Jacklyn Malusa was credited with five kills to go along with 10 digs.

NEXT UP
Canisius wraps up its season tomorrow afternoon against Manhattan at 1 p.m. from Riverdale, N.Y. The Golden Griffins won in five sets against the Jaspers in their last meeting on Oct. 8.