New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College Softball team opened its 2009 home season at the Rice Oval on Wednesday afternoon with a non-conference double-header against Albany.  The Gaels had to battle the weather along with the Great Danes' pitching staff falling 8-0 and 11-0 with both games going five innings.

The Gaels (6-14) faced Albany starter Marissa Powell in both games.  Powell  allowed two hits and one runner to reach second base. In addition, Powell struck out six while issuing just one walk in game one.  After a scoreless first two innings, the Great Danes (18-8) got on the scoreboard in the top of the third inning.  Michelle Connors plated a pair on a single before she was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double and it was 2-0 Albany.

The Great Danes broke the game open in the fourth inning with six more runs crossing the plate on three extra-base hits and it was 8-0.  Deanne Algeo took the loss with eight runs, all earned, on seven hits in 3.1 innings of work.  Kassondra Silva pitched the remainder of the game, and did not allow any hits.

In game two, Albany plated a run in the first inning and used a seven run third inning en route to the 11-0 victory in five innings.  Powell again pitched a complete game with three shutout innings, one hit and two strikeouts.  Silva was on the hill for the complete game, just her second start of the season.

More details to follow about today's doubleheader.

The Gaels take the field at Rice Oval on Tuesday, April 7 for a non-conference double-header against Seton Hall.  First pitch of game one is set for 3:00 pm.