NEW ROCHELLE, NY –The Iona College women’s soccer game blanked Wagner 3-0 in non-conference action at Mazzella Field. The Gaels earned their first victory of the season with the help of two first half goals, a third in the second half and senior goalkeeper Taylor Rice’s first Maroon & Gold shut out.
Freshman Brianna Hernandez recorded the Gaels first tally of the season beating two defenders and Wagner goalie Kaitlin Flaherty to a long ball by sophomore Brittany Murray from beyond the midline. After the Wagner defender couldn’t get the initial touch, Hernandez won the foot race and tapped home her first collegiate goal from the left side of the net and just about 10 yards away in the 18th minute.
Sophomore Julia Campagna made it 2-0 in the 34th minute. Freshman Corinne Burns set up her teammate with a pass through two Wagner defenders. Campagna ran down the pass just to the left of the goalie box. With a defender draped on her, she used the short side of the net to get by Flaherty for her fourth collegiate goal.
In the second half, sophomore Charlotte Stuart hit a 30-yard rocket into the upper right side of the net. Stuart was fed by Burns who earned her second assist of the contest. Sophomore Christine Rebus intercepted a Wagner clearing attempt and passed to Burns who one-timed a pass to Stuart. After a touch to settle, Stuart drilled on into the net for her seventh collegiate tally.
Rice faced seven Wagner shots and recorded three saves. Iona recorded 15 shots including seven on goal.
The Maroon & Gold are back in action Sunday afternoon at NJIT in Newark, NJ.