NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's soccer team earned a thrilling overtime win over defending MAAC Champion Siena at Mazzella Field this afternoon. Sophomore F Nicole Paulucci put in her second goal of the match in the second minute of overtime to lead the Gaels in the victory.

Iona started fast with Paulucci burying an early goal in the third minute of the contest. The second-year forward scored her first collegiate goal on an assist from classmate Carly Haden to gain an early 1-0 advantage.

The Gaels held the Saints off the scoreboard in the first 45 minutes, taking a 7-4 shots advantage.

The Maroon & Gold's only blemish was a successful penalty kick conversion by the Saints' Caitlin Callahan in the 53rd minute. Iona withstood an 8-4 shot deficit to Siena in the half to force overtime.

Perhaps learning from an early overtime exit four games prior at Columbia, the Gaels got the ball into Siena's defensive zone off the kickoff. After sophomore Kerrie Deignan's first shot attempt was saved by Saint netminder Laura Ettinger, Haden was able to get the ball away from a defender and find Paulucci for the game winner.

Sophomore GK Trista Rivera posted four saves in the win. Ettinger stopped six for Siena.  The Gaels defeated the Saints for the second staight time at Mazzella Field and just the second time in the last 11 (2-8-1) meetings.

Iona hits the road for three games over the next two weeks, traveling to Fairfield next Saturday (Oct. 8) evening.