NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - The Niagara Purple Eagles fell to the Iona Gaels in a closely contested Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference volleyball match on Sunday, losing 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 27-25) at the Hynes Athletics Center.
 
How it Happened
Despite the loss, Niagara saw strong performances from several players. Katie Jacobs led the Purple Eagles with 13 kills and a .400 hitting percentage. Laryssa Imbuzeiro and Kinga Wronska each contributed 11 points, with Imbuzeiro adding four blocks.
 
Niagara's offense struggled to find consistency, finishing with a .208 hitting percentage compared to Iona's .270. The Purple Eagles managed to even the match at one set apiece after taking the second set 25-22, but couldn't maintain the momentum in the latter half of the contest.
 
Paisley Ka'ahanui orchestrated Niagara's attack with 23 assists, while Bella Peroni anchored the defense with a team-high 15 digs.
 
The match was tightly contested throughout, featuring 34 ties and 16 lead changes across the four sets. The final set proved to be the most competitive, with Iona narrowly edging out Niagara 27-25 to secure the victory.
 
The loss drops Niagara to 10-10 overall and 6-3 in conference play.
 
Niagara Notes
• The Purple Eagles move to 33-25 all-time against Iona following the 58th meeting all-time between the two programs.
• The loss to the Gaels is Niagara's first since Oct. 29, 2022.
• Jacobs came into the afternoon with nine kills on the season before setting a season-high with 13.
• Niagara set a four-set single-season high with 53 assists.
• Ka'ahnui recorded her third match this season with 20 or more assists, setting a season-high with 23.
 
Up Next
Niagara returns to the Gallagher Center next weekend to host Merrimack (Saturday, Oct. 26), and Quinnipiac (Sunday, Oct. 27). Both matches are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time.