NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's soccer team was defeated by Columbia in home non-conference action at Mazzella Field.  The contest ended in the fourth straight 1-0 loss for the Gaels, making the squad 1-7 on the year and 1-5 in games decided by one point.

The Lions' five shots in the match's opening ten minutes would prove to be key for the visitors.  The lone goal of the game came at the 9:17 mark after a corner kick by Columbia's Kelly Hostetler was deflected.  The carom bounced back to Hostetler, who connected on a low line-drive shot to the far post for the go-ahead tally.

The Gaels bounced back from the early setback, recording the next two shots.  A 12th minute attempt by Lauren Machtel was saved by Lions keeper Lillian Klein, and a Lisa Murer kick four minutes later led to the same result.  Iona had its best chance of the day in the 41st minute.  Katie Higgins hit a high, looping shot that came down and hit the crossbar and tail out of bounds.

The Maroon & Gold led 11-10 in shots at the break.  Goalkeeper Trista Rivera matched her career high with eight saves, while Klein had five for Columbia.  Iona's five shots on goal included two from Murer and one each from Machtel, Gabriella D'Aprile, and Julia Zorn.

The squad continues its non-league schedule on the road, taking on Binghamton on Sep. 15.