WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - The Iona College women's basketball team (3-0) won its third straight game with a 53-51 defeat over Monmouth (1-1) at Boylan Gym. The Gaels have a 3-0 record to start the season for the first time since 1982 and only the second time in the program's Division I history.
Two players scored in double figures for Iona, Anda Ivkovic (12 pts, 4 steals) and Thazina Cook (10 pts, 5 reb.). Cat Lutz had nine points on three baskets from behind the arc, and Suzi Fregosi added eight.
Monmouth's LaKia Barber led all players with 22 points, scoring 20 of those in the second half.
The Gaels quickly erased Monmouth's 2-0 lead and pulled out to an eight point lead on a Lutz three ball at 11:44. A layup by Cook just under a minute later stretched the advantage to 18-8. The two teams traded baskets over the next few possessions and Iona eventually went into halftime with a seven point margin.
A Fregosi jumper and two free throws by Cook saw Iona move ahead by 11 early in the second half. Barber then scored four straight points for the Hawks and Marbely Montas added a two-point shot to bring the host squad within five. The Gael lead was cut to three with 6:20 on the clock, but Iona used an 8-0 run to move back in front by 11 with 2:11 left to play. Monmouth outscored the Maroon & Gold 13-4 down the stretch, with Barber adding ten more points, but Iona was able to hang on for the win.
Iona continues a string of four games on the road with a contest at Wichita State on Nov. 23.
