NEW YORK, NY - After coming back from a one-goal deficit to tie the game in the second half, the Iona College women's soccer team ended up with a 3-1 loss to Columbia at Columbia Soccer Stadium.

The host Lions took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period and took the advantage into the locker room.  In the 25th minute, Kelly Hostetler attempted a free kick which hit the crossbar and ricocheted back to Sophie Reiser.  Reiser finished it off to put Columbia ahead.

The Gaels wasted no time at the start of the second half.  Mariel Pepe executed a well placed cross from the right side to Stephanie Sommers.  Sommers then netted a shot from in front of the goal to knot the score at 1-1 just 1:03 into the half.

The score remained even for the next 13 minutes, until Columbia's Ashlin Yahr tallied back-to-back goals just four mintues apart to give the Lions a 3-1 cushion.  For the Maroon & Gold, goalkeeper Kelly Mahoney made eight saves while Columbia's Lillian Klein had two.

Up next, the Gaels host Army at Mazzella Field on Friday, Sep. 18.  The match is scheduled for 3:00 pm.