NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Faced with a 2-1 deficit in their 2017 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opener, Fairfield University Volleyball rallied past host Iona for a five-set triumph on Saturday afternoon in New Rochelle.
Skyler Day led all players with 21 kills in the first conference tilt of the fall as the Stags were victorious by scores of 25-21, 21-25, 22-25, 25-17 and 15-13.
With the win, the Stags (6-6, 1-0 MAAC) improve to 2-2 in five-set matches this fall. Fairfield also extends its winning streak against MAAC teams to 32 matches, marking the third-longest active stretch against conference foes in the nation. The Stags last loss to a MAAC squad was a 3-2 defeat at Iona during the 2015 campaign. The Gaels fall to 2-9 overall and start their MAAC campaign at 0-1.
"I was impressed with Iona's team defense and fight throughout today's match. It was a match that they undoubtedly deserved to win." said Fairfield Head Coach
Todd Kress.
The Stags were paced by Day's 21 kills as the reigning MAAC Player of the Year neared a double-double with nine digs.
Sonja Radulovic did complete a double-double for Fairfield, posting 10 kills and 10 digs.
Kaitlyn Fisher also reached double-figure kills with 11 to along with a team-leading six blocks.
In the middle,
Luci Albertson sent home seven kills on .385, while
Kaylie Butts notched three finishers and
Nora Quinn landed a pair. To round out the attack,
Mayda Garcia posted four kills and
Taylor Rudeen dropped in one serendipitous kill from the libero spot.
The offense was run through
Manuela Nicolini, who handed out 49 assists and capped a double-double with 16 digs. The sophomore setter also dropped in three kills of her own as she managed the Stags to a team .158 hitting percentage.
In the back row, Rudeen led the way with 20 digs, and
Jamie Calandro added nine as a defensive specialist. Fisher's six blocks paced the effort at the net, and Albertson played a role in five of the Stags' eight team blocks. The Fairfield defense limited Iona to a .154 hitting percentage.
Rounding out the Fairfield scoring, the Stags landed a season-best 10 service aces. Nicolini dropped in four winners and Albertson served up three. Calandro, Radulovic and Rudeen each delivered one from behind the service line.
Iona was led by Claire Archibald with 18 kills and 11 digs, while Jamie Smith and Tess Connolly each posted 11 kills for the hosts. Emma Rose distributed 40 assists managing the Gaels' offense, and Alexandra Russo led all players with 12 digs.
The Stags are back in action tomorrow – Sunday, Sept. 17 – as they conclude the opening weekend of MAAC play at Manhattan. First serve from the Jaspers' Draddy Gym is scheduled for 1 p.m.
"As a team, we need to understand what it takes to win on the road and travel to Manhattan tomorrow with a different approach and mindset," said Kress.
