NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team defeated Dowling by a score of 87-79 in an exhibition match-up at the Hynes Athletics Center.  Freshman Kristina Ford led the Gaels with 20 points while classmate Tomica Bacic recorded a double-double wth 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Two other Gaels managed double figure scoring efforts, Cat Lutz (18) and Anda Ivkovic (15).  Christie Marrone had 21 points for the Golden Lions to lead all players.

The Maroon & Gold led by as much as eight in the first half, but found themselves trailing 54-44 with 15:21 to go in the second.  A jumper by Ford at the 15:08 mark sparked a 12-0 Iona run that put the Gaels ahead by two at 56-54 12:35 left to play.  Dowling came back to take a two point lead for a short time and the score was tied on two later occasions. 

The Gaels pulled in front for good on a layup by Ivkovic at the 10:38 mark and held on for the win.

Iona's regular season gets under way with a Nov. 14th home contest against Hofstra.  Tip-off is set for 5:00 pm in the first game of a double header with the men's team.