NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team defeated Dowling by a score of 97-63 in an exhibition matchup at the Hynes Athletics Center.  Sophomore Kristina Ford led four Gaels in double digits with 19 points.

Seniors Thazina Cook and Anna McLean both recorded double-doubles for the Maroon & Gold, with Cook posting 14 points and ten rebounds and McLean adding 12 points and 13 boards.  Sophomore Tomica Bacic rounded out Iona's double figure scorers with ten points.  Kelly Puwalski and Connie Simmons each had 13 points for the Golden Lions.

The game was tight through the opening minutes, with Iona taking an initial 3-0 lead before Dowling came back to take a 4-3 edge.  The advantage changed hands four more times and the Gaels claimed the advantage for good at the 11:45 mark.  Junior Catherine Lutz proved she was back in top form, nailing three straight shots from long range.  Lutz amassed all of her nine points in the one minute and 20 second span.

The regular season gets underway with the Iona Tip-Off Tournament.  The Gaels take on Arizona at 7:30 pm on Nov. 14.