NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College lacrosse team swiftly defeated the Stetson Hatters under the lights by a final score of 17-4. 10 different Gaels found the back of the net to torch the Hatters in the most decisive win of the season thus far for the Maroon & Gold.
Iona’s leading goal scorer was junior Erin Pugh, who tallyed three goals and provided one assist to boot. The catalyst for the offensive attack was senior Mary Kate McCormick; the Gaels leading dime-dropper recorded a game high five assists.
McCormick was part of an o diverse offensive explosion; five Gaels each scored two goals, including juniors Katelyn Noschese and Rachelle Serafini. It was Serafini’s first two goals of the year. Sophomore Pamela Giordano and freshman Christine Gironda also notched two goals apiece.
Sophomores Jenna Tolzmann and Emma Hager each chipped in one goal and and assist. A pair of freshmen, Grace Tierney and Danielle Keenan picked up their first collegiate goals.
Senior Thea Leitman and freshman Shannon McCaffrey had one and five saves respectively behind the net for the Maroon & Gold.
The Gaels started the first half in a fury, scoring the first two goals in the game within the opening first minute and a half.
After Stetson got on the scoreboard for the first time, Iona would go on a five goal run to go up 7-1 midway through the opening half.
The Hatters would sneak another goal in at the 12:53 mark, but the Maroon & Gold didn’t back off; the Gaels proceeded to go on a six goal run via three McCormick goals, Noschese’s two scores, a Giordano free position strike, and an additional via Pugh. The run placed Iona comfortably ahead 13-2 at the halftime break.
The clock would continuously run the rest of the game due to the 10 goal advantage. Stetson would then squeeze another goal by to make it 13-3. The Maroon & Gold would go on their last four goal run to put the final icing on the cake. Stetson got one last goal in the final 10 seconds to make the final 17-4.
Iona out shot Stetson by a mile 32-13, also secured more ground balls 25-17. As well as draw controls 14-8. The Hatters won the turnover differential 18-20 and saves 6-7.
The Maroon & Gold will head back up north for their first road MAAC conference match-up against Marist Saturday Mar. 26 at 1:00pm