NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.– The Merrimack College women’s volleyball team ended the regular season with a well fought battle against the Iona University Gaels. The Warriors remain eighth in the conference and will advance to the MAAC Volleyball Championship.
The Basics
Score: Iona: 3, Merrimack: 1
Records: Merrimack (8-20, 7-10), Iona (10-20, 8-10)
How It Happened
The Gaels took the early advantage with a successful 9-2 run. The Warriors would score three points with Lilly Konrad behind the line to close in on the Gaels. Merrimack continued to fight from behind, igniting a powerful 4-1 run led by Hannah Webber to make it a 3 point game. The Warriors continued to battle to the end, however, Iona’s offensive lineup slated seven kills to come out on top, 25-19. Early in the second set, the Gaels were the front runner, however, Merrimack took the reins mid-set notching six straight points to go up 17-15. The Gaels inched their way back, tying the score at 20 but the Julz Carlat – Lauryn Mattiucci tandem was too powerful for the Gaels leading to a Warrior win, 25-22.
In the beginning of the third set, Iona commanded a steady three point advantage but Sophia Debonis paced the Warriors with two assists, helping Merrimack remain competitive. From there, the Gaels scored six straight points and then added another three to extend a nine point lead. The Warriors tallied four consecutive points however, the Gaels capitalized off minor attack errors on the Warriors side to win the third set 25-17. In the fourth and final set of the match Iona jumped out to an 8-3 advantage. They quickly doubled their lead with Mija Jegers leading the charge. The Warriors began to find their footing towards the end of the fourth set, igniting a 6-1 run featuring three kills from Mckenna Shotwell. Unfortunately, their well fought effort to stop the Gaels fell short with Iona winning the final set 25-17.
Stats and Facts
- Mckenna Shotwell led the charge for the Warriors with 15.5 pts, 15 kills, and 10 digs
- Lilly Konrad’s double-double featured 17 assists and 12 digs
- Sophia DeBonis also notched double digit stats in two categories with 12 assists and 10 digs
Up Next
The Warriors will open play in the MAAC Volleyball Championship…
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