New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College women's soccer team capitalized on two penalty kick situations to win its first game of the season with a 2-1 victory over NJIT at Mazzella Field.

The Gaels took charge early, putting the pressure on in the first half with twelve shots over the Highlanders' five.  Visiting goalkeeper Sadie Mele made a pair of saves in the opening period while Iona's Kelly Mahoney added one to keep the contest scoreless before halftime.

Stephanie Sommers scored Iona's first goal of the day, her second of the season, following a foul inside the box charged to NJIT in the 49th minute.  Sommers attempted the penalty kick which was saved by Mele, then handled the deflection to blast the ball into the back of the net.  Seven and a half minutes later Sarah Porco took advantage of another penalty kick opportunity and recorded her first career goal to extend the lead for the Maroon & Gold.

The Highlanders cut into that lead in the 68th minute on an unassisted goal by Kori Washington.  Washington pulled up close to Mahoney in front of the net and was able to dribble past and knock the ball in for an NJIT tally.  Iona's defense shut things down over the final fifteen minutes to preserve the win.

The Gaels doubled the Highlanders in shots, 22-11.  Mahoney finished the day with five saves while Mele had nine.

Iona opens its MAAC schedule with a trip to Loyola on Oct. 3.  The Gaels and Greyhounds square off at 4:30 pm.