NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's soccer team concluded the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 2-1 home loss to Mount St. Mary's at Mazzella Field.  The Gaels halved a two-goal defecit on Natalie Murphy's first career tally, but would not close the gap.

Murphy put the Maroon & Gold (1-7-2) on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute, netting a header from close range off a feed from Nicole Paulucci.  Iona had threatened out of the gate to begin the second half with five shots over a span of 3:40.  An attempt by Melissa Frederick in the 47th minute banged off the crossbar and a header by Paulucci drilled into the right post shortly afterward.  Additional shots by Laura Jackson and Kerrie Deignan missed slightly wide.

The Mountaineers (2-4-1) had opened their 2-0 lead in the first half with goals by Ragan Cote and Kelly Baker.  Cote launched an unassisted shot into the top right corner in the 9th minute, and Baker scored on a 31st minute penalty kick.

Iona led 22-11 in shots over the match with goalkeeper Trista Rivera making six saves.  Mount St. Mary's keeper Alicia Miller saved ten.

The Gaels begin Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play on Sep. 30, hosting Marist at 3:00 pm.