Niagara University, NY - Niagara volleyball closed out their opening weekend of conference play defeating Iona in five sets (25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 22-25, 15-13) in the Gallagher Center.

Set One

Iona struck first in the game with the teams trading points back and forth until Niagara put together a five point run with two aces by Liana Tolliver and two kills from Janiah Robinson to take a 14-8 lead.

The Gaels tallied five straight points of their own to make it a three point game, but the Purple Eagles were able to hold onto their lead with kills from Sydney Wilkes and Robinson as well as an ace from Kylie Blessing, defeating the Gaels 25-20.

Robinson led the Purple and White with three kills in the first set, Blessing added five assists and the Purple Eagles recorded four blocks.

Set Two

The Purple Eagles stuck first in the second set with an attack error from the Gaels and a kill from Payton Lee to take an early lead.

Niagara stretched their lead to 10, before Iona put together nine points to make it a 22-20 game in favor of the Purple Eagles.

Robinson ended the second set with her fifth kill of the contest with Niagara coming out victorious 25-21.

Tolliver recorded five kills to lead the Purple Eagles in set two, with Blessing and Paisley Ka'ahanui both tallying six assists.

Set Three

Niagara once again got out to a 2-0 lead to start set three, but Iona answered back to gain a 7-6 lead.

The Purple Eagles answered back with a kill from Sydney Wilkes and an ace from Mia Schaefer to regain the lead 9-7.

The teams once again traded points until Iona scored four of the final five points of the set to take their first set of the game 25-22.

Wilkes led Niagara with four kills in the third set, Blessing and Ka'ahanui once again both recorded five assists a piece.

Set Four

The Purple Eagles got out to a 13-8 lead with four kills from Tolliver and three kills from Wronska.

Iona responded with five straight points to knot the set up at 13. Niagara went on a five point run of their own with kills from Wronska and Payton Lee to take a 20-15 lead.

The Gaels scored 10 of the final 12 points to complete the fourth set comeback and force a fifth set.

Wronska led the Purple Eagles with five kills and Ka'ahanui added eight assists.

Set Five

Iona got out to a 2-0 lead to start the final frame, but Niagara quickly answered back with kills from Lee and Wronska.

The final set was back and forth with the teams trading the lead seven times. The Purple Eagles were able to complete the victory with a kill from Lee to end the contest.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 33-26 all-time against Iona

Wronska and Tolliver both recorded double doubles with kills and digs.

Robinson led the Purple and White with four blocks

Blessing and Ka'ahanui both tallied 20+ assists

Up Next

Niagara heads on the road for the first time during conference play to take on Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius Sept. 30.