NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In their highest scoring performance of the season, the Iona College women’s soccer team earned an overriding win against visiting Saint Peter’s, 5-1. The Gaels outscored the Peacocks four goals to none in the second half behind two goals from freshman Brianna Hernandez, and a goal and an assist from senior Kim Marra.
The Maroon & Gold struck gold in the fourth minute of the first half when freshman Megan Wood netted her second goal of the season off an assist from sophomore Charlotte Stuart. Wood positioned herself for an aggressive position in the box, where Stuart was able to give her a well-placed ball to kick into goal.
Saint Peter’s knotted things up at the 19:56 mark of the first half with a goal from junior Kaitlyn Lima.
The opening forty-five minutes saw many scoring opportunities for each side, nine shots for the Peacocks, and fourteen for the Gaels. Senior Taylor Rice made six of her nine total saves in the opening portion, also defending against the lone two corner kick chances for the visiting squad.
The Gaels thoroughly outplayed the Peacocks in the second half, firing 13 shots and scoring four goals in the process. The second and game-winning goal came from Hernandez at 50:54; sophomore Julia Campagna and Stuart combined on the assists.
Sophomore Marisa Bentley gave Iona a 3-1 at 66:30, taking in a pass from Marra after the defenseman made a fantastic individual play. The Sayville, NY native stole the ball away from a Saint Peter’s attacker who was driving towards the Iona net; from there she dribbled her way past numerous Peacock players, eventually drawing a double team, freeing up Bentley.
Another fantastic individual effort was led to the Gaels fourth goal. Hernandez, after a pressure filled Iona possession, stole the ball away from the Saint Peter’s defense and fired her fourth goal of the year right past Peacocks goalie Kelly Jamison.
The Gaels fifth and final goal came from Marra on a penalty kick opportunity in the 85th minute.
Quinnipiac travels to the New Rochelle on Saturday, Oct. 24 in what will be the Gaels final home game of the year. The seniors will be honored before kickoff at 2 pm.