Lawrenceville, NJ- The Iona College softball team ended its 2007 campaign with two losses at Rider this afternoon. The Gaels (14-23, 8-8 MAAC) fell behind early in both games and fell short by a score of 6-5 in both the opener and night cap.

Iona completes its MAAC season at an even .500, and a fifth place finish.

In the opener, Rider took a 6-0 advantage after two innings. The Gaels responded with five runs in the fourth and fifth innings but were unable to get the tying run across.

In the fourth, senior DP Laura Bosso's hit to second base was misplayed allowing senior LF Stacy Moyer and junior C Laura Stott to score. Rookie 2B Kaitlin Calogera had an RBI single later in the frame to account for the third run.

Rookie SS Courtney Christie hit her second home run in as many days, a two run shot that also plated Moyer to cut the deficit to a run.

After a 1-2-3 top of the sixth, the Gaels began a rally for their season with two-out in the seventh. Stott and Moyer recorded back-to-back singles before Rider P Jessica Holland ended the threat by inducing a pop fly in the infield.

Moyer had two hits and two runs to lead the Gaels at the plate. Junior RHP Becky Riccitelli (12-10) took the loss.

In game two the two team's were scoreless after two and a half innings before Rider plated two in the third and added a third in the bottom of the fourth.

The Gaels fought back for four runs in the top of the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Three straight run scoring singles by Christie, senior 3B Alexis Garbowski and Bosso knotted the score. Sophomore RF Angie Ortiz' fielder's choice with two out allowed Garbowski to score from second base.

The lead was short lived as the home team recorded three runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Again, the Gaels mounted a late comeback attempt with two outs in their last at bat. It was Stott and Moyer again teaming for Iona's solo run. Stott doubled and was driven in by Moyer with a single before the rally was halted.

Senior RHP Lauren Spohn (0-7) took the loss. Laschen, Stott and Christie were all 2-for-4 in the game.