Albany, NY - The Iona College softball team closed out its non-conference schedule with a doubleheader against Albany on Wednesday afternoon. The Gaels fell behind early in both games and lost 4-0 and 11-2.

The Great Danes (13-10) took the lead 3-0 in the second inning off a two-run triple and a runner stealing home. The Gaels (6-18) were unable to time Albany's starter Marissa Powell who didn't allow a multi-hit inning for Iona all game and gave up just four hits.

The best chance Iona had to try and edge closer was in the sixth inning. 3B Jessica Horvath doubled into right and was followed by 2B Lolli Mills, who drew a walk. Gaels' starter Becky Riccitelli tried to help her own cause by dropping down a successful sacrifice to push the runners into scoring position, but Powell set down the next two batters swinging and stranded the runners. Riccitelli tossed six innings with four hits, four earned, four walks and six strikeouts in the loss.

In the nightcap, Albany put up five runs on six hits and three errors in the first inning and didn't look back. Gaels' starter Katie Jo Passero struggled and took the loss allowing eights hits and worked one full inning before Amanda Glaser replaced her early in the second inning. The Great Danes added four runs in the second to make it a 9-0 lead, but the Gaels didn't surrender.

In the top of the fourth, two fielding errors helped Mills and RF Lauren Hackimer reach base and a Riccitelli single loaded the bases for the Gaels. LF Paige Cauley drew a walk and picked up an RBI and Glaser placed a single into left plating Riccitelli to cut into the Albany lead. Albany added a pair in the bottom of the frame and the game ended in 5 innings with the Iona looking up at a tough loss, 11-2. The teams combined for six errors and 15 hits with Albany starter Brittany Rose allowing just two hits and struck out ten. Glaser pitched three innings in relief and allowed three earned with two strikeouts.

The Gaels open the 2008 MAAC season and their new home field, Rice Oval, on Sunday, April 6 against Siena in a doubleheader. There will be opening ceremonies prior to the game with the first pitch at 12 pm.