NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Defeating Manhattan, 64-53, at the Hynes Athletics Center, the Iona College women's basketball team set a new program record with its sixth straight win in conference play.  The Gaels eclipsed their previous standard of five MAAC wins in a row, reached during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.  With the victory, Anthony Bozzella also earned his 100th win as Iona's head coach.

The Maroon & Gold took the lead early on a jumper by Kristina Ford and led by four points at the 13:17 mark.  Nearly one minute later, Lindsey Loutsenhizer banked a three-point field goal as Manhattan would score five unanswered to pull ahead.

The lead flip-flopped over much of the remaining first half before Iona took over for good with 3:42 on the clock.  With the Gaels trailing by two, Thazina Cook tied the game on a basket wtih 4:14 to go.  Cook and Diana Hubbard added back-to-back threes followed two shots from the line by Suzi Fregosi which gave Iona an eight-point edge with 2:44 left in the half.

The Gaels again led by eight after a trifecta by Cook to open the second half, and were never in position to relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.  Iona led by as much as 16 points on two occasions en route to the 11-point victory.

Cook posted her second double-double of the year with 15 points and ten rebounds to lead the Gaels.  Milica Paligoric followed with a season-high 13 points while Ford added ten.  Fregosi dealt a game-leading six assists.

Iona concludes its four-game home stand on Sunday, hosting Niagara at 1:00 pm.  Following the women's game, the Gael men will take on Fairfield to complete the double header.