NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team ended a three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion with a 34 point victory in its final non-conference game of the season.  The Gaels (4-7) defeated St. Francis (NY) (1-9), 85-51.

Iona broke a 2-2 tie in the first minute of play to take a 6-2 lead on a basket by Kristina Ford at the 17:52 mark.  The Gaels would remain in front for the rest of the contest, slowly increasing the margin to 37 points at halftime.  Iona shot 65.7% from the field and 58.3% from three point range to outscore the Terriers 55-18 in the first period.

Anna McLean led the Maroon & Gold with 16 points as she went 8-for-8 in her eighth double-digit effort of the year.  Following with ten points apiece were Anda Ivkovic, Milica Paligoric, and Kara Kochanek.  Kochanek and rookie Samantha Kopp (7 pts) both registered career-highs in the win.

Iona posted its best shooting percentage of the year, connecting on 53.1% of its shots from the floor.  The team's 21 assists were also a season-high, led by six from Suzi Fregosi and five from Tomica Bacic.  Autumn Lau was the high scorer for St. Francis with 16 points.

The Gaels open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at home on Jan. 3.  The squad kicks off the new year hosting Loyola at 2:00 pm.