NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College Lacrosse team struggled to gain traction in the second half against a fierce River Hawks squad, falling to UMass Lowell 11-6 Sunday afternoon.
For the Gaels (2-4, 0-0), Christine Gironda led the team with wo goals on five shots, while dishing out one assist and causing two turnovers. Jenna Tolzmann, Grace Celona, Rachelle Serafini, and Pamela Giordano each tallied one goal. Shannon McCaffrey got the start, making eight saves.
The Maroon & Gold started off strong in the first half with Gironda’s tally just 1:41 into the contest. UMass responded six minutes later before the Gaels begin to find room in the River Hawks defense. Gironda’s feed to Giordano put the Gaels ahead, before Celona found the back of the net off a feed from Erin Pugh. With 9:43 remaining in the half, the River Hawks cut into the lead, putting the score at a 3-2 Iona advantage. The teams traded goals before the horn, as the scoreboard read 4-3 Iona.
The River Hawks offense stormed the Gaels, tallying the first seven goals of the second half before Tolzmann’s free-possession goal stopped the run. With 24 ticks to go, Serafini answered a late UMass goal after a feed from Giordano.
Iona committed 28 turnovers for the game, and grabbed 19 ground balls compared to the River Hawks’ 25. The Gaels ammassed 21 shots and won 9-19 draw controls.
The Gaels continue their road trip on Wednesday as they do battle with Sacred Heart on Wednesday.