The Quinnipiac Bobcats volleyball team defeated the Iona Gaels on Burt Kahn Court, winning in three straight sets. With this win, Quinnipiac moves to 8-11 overall and 5-2 in MAAC play this season.
“We’re always thankful for the win, we earned the win. I thought we made it a little bit too hard for ourselves. Sometimes that’s how it goes.” head coach Kyle Robinson said.
The Gaels and the Bobcats were competing hard in the first set. A good stretch by each team had a response by the other. After both teams couldn’t settle the set within the required 25 points, Quinnipiac found the extra effort and won 28-26.
The second set saw Iona put Quinnipiac on the ropes, causing Kyle Robinson to call a timeout after going down 20-14. Out of the timeout, the Bobcats went on a vital 8-0 run to take the lead back, with junior outside hitter Yagmur Gunes being the catalyst with big kills and the hustle to keep many points alive. Senior opposite Alexandra Tennon served effectively to give the Bobcats a chance in the set, with four service aces in the set alone.
“To me, that’s the major key of our sport. If you serve well, you win a lot of matches.” Robinson said of Tennon’s strong performance.
The Bobcats took the reins of the match in the third set, winning it 25-10 with strong kills and defensive play. Robinson made a late-game substitution, putting in sophomore opposite Cynthia Skenderi to secure the win for Quinnipiac. The whole gym celebrated her entrance.
“To see them support Cynthia in that way, reaffirms that I think we’re doing it the right way, we have a good team.” Robinson said of his team rallying around Skenderi.
“Honestly, Cynthia is the backbone of our team, because she’s just so supportive, and she’s always uplifting everyone.” senior libero Fa’avae Kimsel Moe said of her teammate.
Quinnipiac will now go on a tough MAAC road trip with matchups against Marist, Siena, Canisius, Niagara, Merrimack and Sacred Heart before returning home to play Fairfield.
“For us to be on the road for the next three weekends is tough, but our team works hard on the court and in the classroom as well.” Robinson said.
“When we’re on the road, it might not be our gym. We make it our gym. Those long bus rides are also important. We drove all the way over here, let’s not waste our time.” Tennon said.
Quinnipiac was playing this game for a great cause, as the two teams honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The crowd was draped in pink and their energy resonated with Quinnipiac.
“I think these events are great to bring awareness, but I think we can do a much better job with helping to find cures,” Robinson. “I think there are a lot of things out there we can do to raise money for things like breast cancer awareness.”
The Bobcats will begin their road trip in Poughkeepsie, New York to take on the Marist Red Foxes on October 19 at 1 p.m.
