Kissimmee, FL - The Iona College softball team concluded the Rebel Spring Games with a pair of games against Akron and Fairleigh Dickinson on Friday afternoon. The ZIps and Gaels (5-12) each got strong performances from the starting pitchers, but Akron plated three for a shutout win. In game two, the Maroon and Gold cut the Knights lead in half, but couldn't draw closer and fell 4-1.

The Zips (9-15) took a 1-0 lead after the fourth inning and took control of the game with a pair in the bottom of the fifth for a 3-0 shutout. Akron starter Christina Swierz tossed 7.0 innings with three hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Gaels' starter Katie Jo Passero also pitched a complete game with six strong innings, eight hits, three earned runs, two walks and five Ks in the loss. Becky Riccitelli (2-for-3) and Melanie Gettins (1-for-3) picked up Iona's hits in the loss.

Hoping to conclude its trip on a high note, the Gaels faced tri-state rival Fairleigh DIckinson. The Maroon and Gold found itself down early again as the Knights (4-7) plated a run in the top of the first and added a pair their next time at the plate to make it 3-0. Iona was able to get a run across in the bottom of the third inning as Paige Cauley led-off with a walk, advanced on a wild pitch and a Erin Kyle single and finally came around to score on another wild pitch. The Gaels couldn't edge closer as FDU added another run in the top of the fourth and held on for a 4-1 win. Becky Riccitelli pitched another complete game with six hits, four runs, just one earned, four walks and eight strikeouts. Erin Kyle went 3-for-4 on the afternoon.

The Gaels return to tri-state area on Tuesday, March 25 to face Big East foe Seton Hall in a double-header beginning at 3:00 pm.