POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team fell to 0-2 to begin conference play (4-10 overall) with a 73-43 defeat at Marist (11-2, 2-0 MAAC).  It was the seventh consecutive win for the Red Foxes while the Gaels have now dropped three straight.

Iona got off to its worst start of the year, opening the game at 0-for-17 from the floor and without a field goal during the first 12 and a half minutes.  In that time, Marist scored 18 points to lead 18-0 before Iona reached the scoreboard with Diana Hubbard making one of two from the free throw line at the 10:10 mark.  The Gaels picked up their first field goal at 7:31; a three-pointer by Milica Paligoric with help from Haley D'Angelo.

Trailing 38-16 at the end of the first half, Iona regrouped at the break and came out with a 7-0 run to begin the second period.  With nine of the first 12 points of the half, the Gaels closed Marist's lead to its smallest since early in the first half at 41-25 with 16:51 on the clock.  The Red Foxes recovered to lead by as much as 33 in the game.

Paligoric was the lone Gael to reach double figures with ten points and also led the team with seven rebounds.  Anda Ivkovic followed with nine points and six boards while Marissa Flagg dished four assists.

Marist was led by Erica Allenspach's 15 points with Elise Caron (13 pts), Brandy Gang (12), and Corielle Yarde (11) following.  The Red Foxes held a slim 44-41 rebound advantage.

Iona returns to MAAC action at Fairfield on Jan. 8.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.