RIVERDALE, NY - Senior Ashling Baker made her 2009 debut and finished second at a quad-meet with Fairfield, Manhattan and Stony Brook at Van Cortlandt Park this afternoon. The Gaels also finished second as a team at the event.

Baker finished the 3k race in 10:48 and was topped only by the winner from Manhattan. Returning from an injury, the performance proved encouraging for Baker and Iona as they head into the MAAC and Northeast Regional Championships.

Three other Gaels finished in the top 10 including freshman Chelsea Hanson in sixth overall (11:10), junior Chelsea Brisman in eighth (11:16) and senior Samone Brockett in ninth (11:16.5). Freshman Erin Brady was the squad's final scorer in 20th place and was followed by senior Clare Halligan in 21st.

The Gaels look to earn their fifth straight MAAC Championship next Friday (Oct. 30) at Van Cortlandt Park. Last year, the Maroon & Gold's fourth straight title set a conference mark, overtaking Canisius (1990-92) and Holy Cross (1983-85) three-straight conference crowns.