Main Story

Iona let a two-set lead slip away, falling to rival Manhattan in five sets in the teams’ final meeting of the season. The Gaels took the first two sets before Manhattan rallied to win the next three, including a 15-13 decision in the fifth.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Manhattan 3, Iona 2 (22-25, 12-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-13).
  • Julia Leonardo led Iona with 17 kills and 3 aces; Kari Smith added 14 kills.
  • Alexis Gaume had 24 digs, reaching 1,000 career digs at Iona.
  • Jaylyn Simon led Iona with 28 assists; Manhattan’s Briger had 32.
Yes, But

Iona showed its potential with a dominant second-set win and fought back from a three-point deficit in the fifth. But Manhattan seized control after the break, and Iona couldn’t complete its late rally.

What’s Next

Iona returns home Saturday to host Siena, with first serve scheduled for 5 p.m.

Bottom Line

The Gaels had Manhattan on the ropes, but a sharp turnaround after two sets left Iona with a painful rivalry loss—and a clear focus for its next match: sustaining its early momentum.