The Saint Peter's University volleyball team (1-13, 0-2 MAAC) was defeated by Iona College (4-8, 2-0 MAAC), 3-0 (20-25, 17-25, 12-25), this afternoon. Despite the loss, the Peacocks managed to finish with their second best single game hitting percentage of the year (.153). Freshman Lauren Behrens led the way with 11 kills on 30 attacks, good for a .300 percentage- her best this season.
Despite trailing by 5 points early on in the first set (10-5), the Peacocks managed to come back and tie the score at 12-12 following consecutive kills by Behrens and an Iona hitting error. Saint Peter's continued on their tear and seemed to be cruising to a set one victory, as they jump in front 16-12, aided by four consecutive unforced errors by the hosts. During that span, Andrew Brown's team outscored the Gaels 10-2.
Iona would form a run of their own however, to tie the score at 17-17. Both teams continued to exchange points, until the Gaels established a 6-1 run for a 24-19 lead. Brown was forced to call a time out, after which Laura Reinhart recorded a kill to bring the Peacocks within four. A putdown from Taylor Cembalisty in the ensuing play however completed the first set victory for Iona.
Kassi Wirth recorded 4 kills on 7 attacks to hit a blistering .429 in the set, while Behrens added 5 putdowns.
Six kills and two service aces would give Iona an early 9-3 lead in set two. Saint Peter's slowly clawed back to get within four points on three separate occasions (16-12, 20-16, 21-17), but the Gaels outscored the Peacocks 4-0 to close out the game.
In set three, Saint Peter's again found themselves in a hole down 8-2. A run led by the serving of Behrens brought the Peacocks within two points (10-8), however the Gaels outscored the visitors 15-4 the rest of the way for a decisive 25-12 victory.
Behrens added 10 digs to go with her 11 kills, while Jenny Pliska had a team-high 12 digs. Kristina Baehr dished out 23 assists and senior middle blocker Kassi Wirth had an efficient day on the offensive end, tallying 6 kills on 10 attacks, and just one hitting error (.500).
Four Gaels finished with double-digit kills in the victory: Catrina Warren (12), Madisyn Spence (11), Alicja Pawelec (10) and Cembalisty (11).
Saint Peter's returns home next weekend to host Siena (9/22) Marist (9/23). Both games are scheduled for 2pm.
