PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Iona College softball team split a non-conference double header with Drexel Thursday afternoon. In game one, the Gaels picked up a 3-2 decision, while the Dragons came back to take game two 10-2.

In the opener, the Gaels struck early. In the third inning, the Gaels struck for two runs. Freshman SS Marisa Newman led off with a single to left center. Rookie CF Jodi Petersen followed with a double to drive in junior pinch runner Tierney Markou and moved to third on the throw home. Freshman DH Eileen McCann continued her strong open to the season by driving in Petersen and the Gaels were up 2-0.

Drexel put runs on the board in the fourth and seventh to pull even. The Gaels went to work in the eighth to pick up the win. Junior C Melanie Gettins led off with a walk and was pinch run for by sophomore Chelsea Sheehan. Junior LF Erin Kyle followed with a walk and sophomore RF Melanie Hay reached with single. With the bases loaded and no one out, the Gaels were unable to put the run across for two batters as Drexel forced out Sheehan and Kyle at home. With the bases still loaded, Petersen drove in the game winner with a walk.

Sophomore Sarah Jackson picked up her fourth win of the year for Iona, going the distance, allowing one earned run and striking out five.

In game two, the Gaels jumped out early in the first inning. Junior 2B Tessa Earley led off with a walk. With Newman at bat, Earley stole second and third before being driven in with a sacrifice fly. With the bases clear, McCann ripped her seventh home run of the season to left and the Gaels led 2-0.

Drexel starter Ellen Boundy settled down the rest of the way, allowing just one hit the rest of the afternoon. Offensively, Drexel was able to crawl back with a five run second to put the game of the Gaels' reach. For Iona, junior P Alyssa Maiese took the loss, allowing six earned runs in the contest.

The Gaels travel to Columbia Saturday for another out of conference tilt. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 12:30 pm.