WEST HARTFORD, CT - After a scoreless first half of action against Hartford, the Iona College women's soccer team surrendered the first two goals in the second half and ended up with a 4-1 loss to the Hawks.  The Gaels (1-2) pulled to within one with less than ten minutes remaining but the comeback fell just short.

For Hartford (2-1), Amber Smyth started off the scoring run in the 57th minute on a ball that caromed off the crossbar and found the back of the net.  Becky Flowers gave the host team a two-goal cushion with an unassisted shot 22 minutes later.

Iona put a dent on the scoreboard in the 82nd minute as freshman Carly Villanova recorded her first collegiate goal.  Laura Giugli soon added back-to-back goals for the Hawks which soured the Gaels' chances to recover.  Goalkeeper Kelly Mahoney picked up two saves in the loss.

With no shortage of scoring opportunities, Iona outnumbered Hartford 13-6 in shots on goal.  Mariel Pepe, Abby Dixon, Leah Taylor, Kerrie Deignan, and Villanova each had two.

After a day off, the Maroon & Gold will head to Albany for a 4:00 pm contest on Friday (Sep. 4).