SCORE: Niagara 3, Iona 0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-12)
RECORDS: Niagara (6-13, 4-3 MAAC) , Iona (3-16, 1-5 MAAC)

NIAGAR UNIV., N.Y. –  The Niagara Purple Eagles eased to a three-set win over the Iona Gaels on Saturday afternoon.

Match Summary

• The Purple Eagles eased to a three-set win, holding Iona to a lower score in each set.
• A 7-1 run in the first set by the Purple Eagles broke open a 6-6 tie en route to winning the set 25-18.
• Niagara played its most efficient set of the match in the second set. Niagara had 14 kills and a match-high .333 attacking percentage and 76 percent on sideout.
• Leading 13-12, a kill by Caroline Leitch sparked a 5-0 run as the Purple Eagles went on to win the set 25-16.
• NU cruised in the third set, never trailing and was tied only once at 1-1. The Purple Eagles led as much as 13 points in the set.

Purple Points

• The Purple Eagles are off to their best home start since 2011 (won first eight home matches)
• Alexis Gray had a match-high 30 assists. She added five digs, two kills and one ace.
• Nicole Matheis and Madison May each share match-high honors with 10 kills.
• Rylee Hunt had her fourth 20-dig match with a match-leading 20 digs.
• Freshman Caroline Leitch added seven kills.

Coach's Corner

• "The team delivered a strong performance today. The three-game sweep was a good indicator of the mental and emotional preparation the team brought to the court necessary to bring out our best effort. We served very well today and ran our transition offense effectively!" – Head coach Vilis Ozols 

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles will host the Manhattan Jaspers on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for volleyball updates at @NiagaraVB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.