RIVERDALE, NY - For the first time in the program's six-year history, the Iona College lacrosse team won its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener with a 15-11 victory over Manhattan on the road.  The Gaels (4-6, 1-0 MAAC) have posted back to back victories for the first time this season.

Iona opened with a 1-0 lead on a fourth-minute free position goal by Courtney Hocking.  Manhattan (1-8, 0-1 MAAC) quickly responded, scoring twice to pull ahead 2-1.  The Gaels rallied to go on a 6-0 tear, kicked off by three straight goals from Elizabeth Coholan, and never looked back.  Iona led 11-6 at halftime and maintained no smaller than a three goal advantage through the rest of the contest.

Coholan led the Maroon & Gold with four points, scoring on all four of her shots on goal.  Caitlyn Collins also recorded four points with two goals and two assists.  Also scoring a pair of goals for the Gaels were Hocking, Natalie Finnerty, and Amber Zimmerlink.  Casey Scully, Kasey Hughes, and Emily Taddei each had one. 

Goalkeeper Carlee Street's 12 saves proved to be a major factor in the win, as the Jaspers led 23-22 in shots on goal but Manhattan keeper Julia DiBernardo could stop only seven.

Iona will play its final non-conference game of the year on Apr. 7, taking on Boston College in beantown at 4:00 pm.