NEW ROCHELLE, NY - With three goals by three newcomers, the Iona College women's soccer team scored its first victory of the season in a 3-1 triumph over NJIT.  Freshmen Melissa Frederick and Samantha Fiorenzo and junior transfer Laura Jackson all registered their first goals as Gaels.

"A sign of a good team is one that can go out and get a win even when they aren't having their best game so I'm glad that we were able to work together and grind out a win against a very hardworking NJIT team," said head coach Mike Barroqueiro.

Iona took a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute as the squad worked the ball in its offensive end.  Senior Kerrie Deignan crossed the ball from just off the right end line, then Frederick knocked it into the back of the net.  Iona goalkeeper Trista Rivera made two saves over the remainder of the period, sending the Gaels into the break ahead by one.

The Maroon & Gold added four more shots over the opening 12 minutes of the second half, but would not score again until the 73rd minute when the team notched two more goals in a 25 second span.  Iona increased its lead to 2-0 on a successful penalty kick by Jackson, then made it 3-0 off the ensuing kick-off.  Fiorenzo picked up her first career goal on an assist by junior Shannon Meara.

The Highlanders fought back late, testing Iona's defense in the closing minutes.  NJIT cut the advantage to 3-1 with a Kylie Jones tally, assisted by Megan Dellavalle in the 83rd minute.

Over the match, Iona outnumbered NJIT 13-7 in shots and 8-2 in corner kicks.  Rivera finished with four saves in net while Anna Kornmuller saved three for the Highlanders.

"We've been playing some good soccer so far this season but have just not been able to get the results to show for it. I think this game will help put our young group at ease a bit and hopefully help us build some momentum as we prepare for Vermont and Maine."  The Gaels will play their next two games on the road beginning with a 4:00 pm match-up at Vermont on Sep. 2.