EDISON, NJ (Nov. 21, 2024) – The 2024 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Volleyball Championship action opened this afternoon at Siena’s UHY Center with Iona University and Merrimack College advancing to the second round on Friday, November 22. No. 8 Iona will take on No. 4 Canisius at 4pm and No. 7 Merrimack will take on No. 3 Rider at 7pm.
 
 
 
No. 5 Sacred Heart - 0 vs. No. 8 Iona - 3
UHY Center | Loudonville, NY | 4:00 PM | 
 Box Score
 
In the first match of the 2024 MAAC Volleyball Championship, the No. 8 Iona swept No. 5 Sacred Heart in a 3-0 victory (25-20, 25-22, 25-23) in a tightly contested match. Despite Sacred Heart posting 40 kills to Iona’s 42, the Gaels capitalized on key moments to secure the win. Grace Ehler led Iona with 12 kills, while Emma Vu set up the offense with 21 assists. For Sacred Heart, Camryn Luginbuhl was a standout with 17 kills and Miliani Villarreal tallied 17 digs, but the Pioneers couldn't overcome Iona’s balanced attack and steady play. Each set was competitive, with Iona managing to close out the match in three sets, showing resilience. Iona goes on to take on Canisius in the second round of the MAAC Championship at 4pm.
 
 
No. 6 Niagara -2 vs. No. 7 Merrimack -3
UHY Center | Loudonville, NY | 7:00 PM | 
 Box Score
 
In a thrilling five-set battle for the 2024 MAAC Volleyball Championship, No. 7 Merrimack defeated No. 6 Niagara 3-2, winning the final set 15-12 after a back-and-forth contest. Merrimack came out strong, claiming the first two sets (27-25, 25-16), but Niagara responded with wins in sets 3 (25-19) and 4 (25-20) to force a decisive fifth. In the final set, Merrimack held firm, with McKenna Shotwell delivering 14 kills and 22 digs, while Julz Carlat and Hannah Webber added 12 and 13 kills, respectively. Lilly Conrad contributed 22 assists in the win. Niagara's Kinga Wronska led her team with 18 kills, supported by Lianna Tolliver's 14 kills and Kylie Blessing’s 19 assists. Libero Bella Peroni posted a stellar 27 digs, but despite 28 score ties throughout the match, Merrimack managed to edge out the victory in a dramatic finish.
 
 
The 2024 MAAC Volleyball Championship is an eight-team, single-elimination championship taking place November 21-24, 2024 at UHY Center in Loudonville, NY on the campus of Siena College. The first round will take place on Thursday, November 21, followed by the second round on Friday, November 22, the semifinals on Saturday, November 23, and concluding with the championship final on Sunday, November 24. Siena will serve as host of the four-day championship for the 14th time. For all information regarding the 2024 MAAC Volleyball Championship, please visit maacsports.com/vb
 
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 13 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 44th year of competition during the 2024-25 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius University, Fairfield University, Iona University, Manhattan University, Marist College, Merrimack College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.
 
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