NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College lacrosse team suffered a 15-7 loss to Fairfield in the team's 2009 MAAC opener at Mazzella Field.  The Gaels' offense was led by sophomore Elizabeth Coholan, who recorded a hat trick with two goals in the first half and one in the second.

Falling behind 2-0 following to goals by the Stags in the opening minute, Iona scored three straight to take a 3-2 lead at the 9:14 mark.  Casey Scully found the back of the net first for the Gaels on an assist by Jillian Beck and Coholan added the equalizer from free position two minutes later.  Lisa Baron gave Iona the go-ahead shot with an unassisted tally.

Fairfield answered back, scoring four times in a minute and a half to take a 6-3 lead.  Coholan closed out the action for the half with her second marker of the day to bring the Maroon & Gold within three at intermission.

Kerry Thompson, Christie Godlewski, and Coholan scored for Iona in the second half, with Godlewski also picking up one assist, but the Gaels were outmatched 9-3 in the period and would never pull closer than two.

Goalkeeper Colleen Magri played all 60 minutes in front of Iona's net, making 20 saves in the loss.  Lauren Chatnik had nine saves for Fairfield.

The Gaels return to the road for four games away from home, beginning with a 2:00 pm contest at Marist on Mar. 29.