Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - The fourth-seeded Iona College softball team earned a spot in the 2011 MAAC Softball Championship title game after defeating third-seeded Marist College, 9-0, in Game 5 of the tournament at Gartland Field.

Iona scored five runs in the top of the third inning off a two-RBI double by freshman right fielder Katie Jansson and a three-run homer by senior catcher Melanie Gettins.

The Gaels added one more run to the scoreboard in the fifth with sophomore centerfielder Jodi Petersen reaching home plate following a throwing error. They concluded with a three-run homer over the right field wall by junior shortstop Chelsea Sheehan in the seventh.

Junior Sarah Jackson improved to 15-8 with the win, giving up just one hit in seven innings of work while fanning six batters. Marist's Emily Osterhaus closed out the year at 15-10 on the mound.

Iona, who is looking to defend its 2010 championship crown, will play top-seeded Fairfield University, who reached the championship round for the first time since 2006, in Game 6 on Saturday, May 14, at noon. If the Gaels win Game 6, the seventh and deciding game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.