NIAGARA UNIV., NY - With a 12-4 trouncing over Niagara in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference road action, the Iona College lacrosse team is 2-0 to begin league play for the first time in the program's near seven year history.  The Gaels have also now won five straight over the Purple Eagles.

Iona (4-7, 2-0 MAAC) rookie Brenna Lade led all players with four goals to improve her season total to 14.  Bridget Sickles, Caitlyn Collins, and Elizabeth Coholan each scored twice with Casey Scully and Brittney Mabus rounding out the Gael scorers.  Coholan added a game-high six ground balls followed by five from Amber Zimmerlink.  Collins pulled in a team-best three draw controls.

For Niagara (1-7-1, 0-1 MAAC), Fran Pollastro registered three of the team's four goals.  Emily French contributed an unassisted tally with one second remaining in the first half. 

The Maroon & Gold dominated the contest from the outset, opening a 5-0 lead before allowing the Purple Eagles onto the scoreboard in the 25th minute. The Gaels held at least a three-goal cushion through the remainder while leading from start to finish.

First-year goalkeeper Maria Ortiz made ten saves to earn her fourth career win.  Niagara's Jen Zandlo saved seven.

Iona wraps up its two-game Western NY swing with an 11:00 am match up at Canisius on Sunday.