FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Fairfield University Volleyball extended its winning streak to nine matches and stayed unbeaten at 8-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a 3-0 sweep of visiting Iona on Friday at Leo D. Mahoney Arena. The Stags took the match by set scores of 25-14, 25-19, and 25-19.
On the heels of their nine-match winning streak, the Stags stand at 14-4 overall and are the MAAC's last unbeaten team at 8-0. Iona slipped to 7-15 on the year with a 2-6 league tally.
"I thought we really outlasted them. There were a lot of long rallies tonight, and we came away with the point on most of them," said Head Coach
Nancy Somera. "Credit to Iona for the way they stepped up their defense, but I'm happy with the way we were able to match their defensive intensity and keep the ball off the floor."
The defensive effort featured four Stags with double-digit digs, led by 15 from
Abby Jandro from the setter spot.
Allie Elliott added 13 from the back row, libero
Delaney Moon had 12, and
Katelyn Cook recorded 10. At the net,
Maya Walker set the pace with a hand on two of Fairfield's three team blocks as the Stags limited Iona to a .078 hitting percentage.
The attack was led by
Mamie Krubally with 11 kills from the right side, while rookie opposite
Emma Bortolotti tacked on nine from the pins. On the left,
Lindsey Healey hit .429 with six kills on 14 swings, with Elliott chipping in five and Cook adding two.
Walker led the middle with seven kills on 13 erorrless swings (.538) and
Harlan Wyche put down three kills.
The attack was managed to a .252 clip by Jandro with 16 assists and
Zofia Sykut with 15. Moon pitched in six from the libero spot.
To round out Fairfield's scoring,
Natalie Carlin served up a trio of aces. Moon landed two from the beyond the end line, and Sykut had one winner.
Iona was led offensively by Julia Leonardo with eight kills. Caleigh Schroeder filled out her statsheet with three kills, 16 assists. and a match-best 19 digs.
"A big shout out to the fans tonight. I thought the atmosphere was great with students and community bringing a ton of energy," added Somera.
Fairfield Volleyball is back in action at Mahoney Arena tomorrow -- Saturday, Oct. 18 -- for a 4 p.m. MAAC clash with Manhattan. The Jaspers, who are in action at Sacred Heart on Friday evening, came to Connecticut at 2-14 overall and 0-7 in conference play.
Admission is free for all fans to all Fairfield Volleyball regular season home matches.
