New Rochelle, NY - Four Gaels scored in double figures as the Iona College women's basketball team defeated Siena 81-77 in double overtime. The Gaels (9-6 overall) remain undefeated in the MAAC at 4-0, while Siena (2-12 overall) are now 1-3 in conference action.
Iona opened up with five unanswered points on a jumper by Martina Weber, followed by a Lauren DeFalco three. The Saints came back in the same manner, tying the game at five on a three-pointer by Melissa Manzer. The Maroon & Gold went on to open up a nine point lead with 13:53 on the clock.
Ahead 25-17 at 10:09 to go in the first half, Regan Pettijohn netted a bucket and was fouled by Siena's Sarah Fullmer. She hit the free throw to convert the three point play. Jessica Anger then added two to give the Gaels their largest lead of the contest at 30-17.
The Saints put together a 24-7 run from that point to bring the score 37-31 going into the break.
Three lay-ups in as many possessions for Siena to open the second half brought the game to a tie at 39. Joanne Smith hit a trifecta to put Iona up by three for what would be the Gaels' final lead until the second overtime period.
Siena pulled ahead by as many as seven with 6:21 remaining in regulation. After being fouled by Liga Alpe-Luka, Weber hit one from the line to lead off a 12-8 Iona run. Down by three with 1:06 to go, DeFalco netted one from behind the arc to even the score at 67 a piece. Siena's Katelyn Dooley answered back with another three, advancing the scoreboard to 70-67. With less than 20 seconds to play, senior Toni Horvath willed her team into overtime with a huge three pointer. After calling for a screen from her teammate, she stepped back and calmly buried a 22-footer to knot the score at 70-70. The Gaels held on on the ensuing defensive possession as the game went into overtime.
The Saints strung together a bucket and two free throws to begin the first overtime period with a four point advantage. DeFalco hit a jumper to cut the margin in half. A made free throw by Siena brought the score to 75-72. Iona battled back once again, as Pettijohn hit a clutch three to force double overtime.
Iona was determined to win, starting off the final period with a three ball by Horvath. Forced to foul, Siena was down by five after two good free throws by DeFalco. The Saints would score once more, but it would not be enough as the Gaels came away with an 81-77 victory.
DeFalco led the Maroon & Gold with 18 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Close behind was Horvath, who recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The 14 three-pointers made by the Gaels is believed to be a school record.
Iona returns to action on Jan. 11 as they host Saint Peters. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
