The Quinnipiac Bobcats 5-23 (3-12 MAAC) took on the Iona Gaels 13-13 (11-5 MAAC) as they looked to continue their recent success following an incredible comeback victory against St. Peter’s. However, the Gaels spoiled the Bobcats’ homecoming, winning the match 3-0.

The Bobcats have been without freshman setter Emma Ogden (Crown Point, Ind.) and have relied on sophomore Brittany Robinson (Fresno, Calif.) to hold down the position in her absence. Robinson has played well, leading the team in assists in each of the last five matches.

A combination of both miscommunication by the Bobcats and strong play by the Gaels allowed the Gaels to jump out to an early lead in the first set. The team never looked back as Iona exploded to a huge lead over Quinnipiac and took the first set 25-13.

Catrina Warren led the Gaels with six kills in the set, as the Gaels posted a .361 attack percentage. Natalie Ziskin posted 15 assists and two digs for Iona.

The Gaels opened the second set right where they left off and took a 7-2 lead over the Bobcats.  Although strong play by Katie Urycki (Chesterton, Ind.) and Allison Leigh (Palmer, Alaska) cut the lead to 9-7, the Gaels pulled away behind the play of Warren and Shannon Ward and won the set 25-15.

The third set was much more competitive than the first two. Behind the play of Leigh and Urycki, the Bobcats played mistake-free volleyball and were able to hang with the Gaels through the beginning of the set. Then, right on cue, the errors for the Bobcats took over, allowing the Gaels to maintain a steady lead. They carried this lead all the way to the end, as they finished off the Bobcats 25-16.

Ward led the match with 14 kills and a .619 attack percentage. Warren also played well for the Gaels as she finished with 11 kills and 10 digs.

Urycki led the Bobcats with nine kills and a .107 attack percentage. Cody Michaels (Versailles, Ky.) Chandler Thornton (Arlington, Texas) and Robinson all reached double digits in digs.

Overall, the Gaels dominated the match, outhitting the Bobcats .309 to .046. Holding themselves to only 11 attack errors on 97 attempts, the Gaels were able to coast to the win.

The Bobcats close out their home schedule against Manhattan tomorrow on Senior Day at 1 p.m. Seniors Logan Riker and Bonnie Conklin will be honored.