NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College lacrosse team defeated Central Connecticut State 8-7 in overtime for their first road win of the season. Sophomore midfielder Jenna Tolzmann knocked home the game winner with 52 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Gaels the victory.
Tolzmann had two goals on the day along with three other Gaels; senior Mary Kate McCormick and juniors Rachelle Serafini and Erin Pugh. McCormick junior Grace Celona and sophomore Emma Hager joined each tallied on one assist. Senior Thea Leitman had eight saves guarding the net.
The Gaels started out strong, netting the first goal of the game courtesy of McCormick assisted by Celona. Central Connecticut would answer with a four goal run in just over four minutes to an early lead.
The Maroon & Gold answered right back with another McCormick goal that would kickstart a 3-0 run with two more goals by Pugh and another by Serafini to tie the game 4-4 heading into the half.
Tolzmann notched her first goal early in the second half to give the Gaels their first lead of the game 5-4. The Blue Devils would punch right back with a two goal run to take the lead 6-4.
The Gaels bounced back like normal going on a two goal run off of Serafini and Pugh again, who was assisted by Hager this go around. to go up 7-6. CCSU answered with a goal to tie it up at 7-7 with 11:33 remaining in the game.
The rest of regulation featured a standstill with both teams going back and forth attempting to reach the back of the net. The draw forced overtime where the Gaels gained possession and methodically worked the clock to get their opportune shot with McCormick facilitating the ball to Tolzmann who made a center dive to net for a catch and shoot to win the game.
Iona out shot CCSU 27-22, as well as secured more ground balls 24-15. The Gaels won the turnover margin 14-18.
The Maroon & Gold will head down to Florida to play two games, their first against Jacksonville is Saturday, March 19 at 4:00pm.