Niagara Univ, NY - Freshman Carol Danis picked up her fourth goal of the season but it wasn't enough as the Iona College women's soccer team fell to Niagara 2-1 in each team's MAAC opener. The Gaels (2-10) didn't waste much time as on their first shot on goal gave them the lead. In the 8th minute of the first half, freshman Rachel Bucolo chipped one over the defender and Danis put it past Ashleigh Bowers to make it 1-0 Iona.

The Gaels held the lead over the Purple Eagles (6-4) for nearly 20 minutes until the Eagles tied the game on a goal by Brittany Bisnott. Bisnott took a pass from her teammate off her chest, controlled it and got it past junior keeper Suzanne Baldissard in the 28th minute. After a half of play, the score was tied at 1 with Niagara taking 3 more shots than the Gaels and Baldissard making 5 saves.

The Purple Eagles took the lead in the 51st minute of the second half as Michelle Emery dribbled in and put one in the back of the net for what proved to be the game winner. The Gaels had their opportunities in the second half with both of their corner kicks coming in the second half and they took 7 of their 11 shots, but weren't able to find the back of the net as Niagara took a 2-1 win.

The Purple Eagles outshot the Gaels 20-11 and 12 to 7 with shots on goal. Bucolo lead the Gaels with 3 shots, one on goal, in addition to her assist. Danis finished with with 2 shots, both on goal. Fellow classmate Ali Werner picked up two shots and sophomore Mariel Pepe also had a shot on goal. Baldissard finished with 10 saves while Bowers made 1 save and Sarah Stephens, who played the entire second half for Niagara, made 3 saves.

The Gaels stay up state and head to Buffalo to take MAAC rival Canisius on Sunday, October 7.