LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Led by a career-high 21 points from sophomore Suzi Fregosi, the Iona College women's basketball team (6-2, 1-0 MAAC) won this season's MAAC opener with a 92-81 defeat over Rider (2-4, 0-1 MAAC).  Fregosi was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, hit three shots from beyond the arc, and dished out seven assists.

Despite 17 first half turnovers, the Gaels had opened up a ten point lead by the 12:06 mark on a layup by Naeemah Ricketts, and pushed the advangtage to 14 following a Marissa Flagg basket three and a half minutes later.  Ahead 44-31 with 3:37 to go in the opening period, Iona saw its lead erased by a 17-4 Rider run and went into halftime with a 48-48 tie.

The Maroon & Gold recovered from its first half troubles, commiting only three turnovers in the second half while forcing ten by the Broncs.  With the score tied at 53 with 17:29 on the clock, Iona scored five straight points to move in front 58-53.  A layup by Stephanie Wisniewski cut the edge to three, then Kara Kochanek and Thazina Cook went back-to-back to put the Gaels up by seven.

Kochanek, who finished with five points, added a bomb from the left sideline to bring Iona to a 74-64 advantage with 10:32 remaining.  Rider closed to within four at 8:40 before the Gaels strung together seven in a row to lead by 11 with just over six minutes left.

Tammy Meyers scored the last basket for the Broncs, who trailed by seven with a minute to go, as Iona hit four straight free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.  Meyers had a game-high 26 points for host Rider.

Cook wrapped up the night with 15 points while Kristina Ford added 14.  Anda Ivkovic and Tomica Bacic got into foul trouble and were limited to 18 and 16 minutes respectively, both contributing seven points.

Iona returns to action on Sunday, taking on Fairfield at 1:00 pm at the Arena at Harbor Yard.