NEW ROCHELLE, NY – A nine goal rally in the first half spoiled the Iona College lacrosse home opener, as Connecticut walked away with a 13-2 victory at Mazzella Field on Saturday afternoon. 

Prior to the start of the game, members of both sides released 27 green and white balloons into the overcast skies in remembrance of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Senior Kylie Gregory led the Gaels with a goal and an assist, while sophomore Casey Palmer scored the first Iona goal to break an 8-0 deficit. 

The Huskies (1-0) led 9-1 heading into the half and outshot the Maroon & Gold 21-7.  Junior Maria Ortiz finished the day with 11 saves as the visitors held possession for a majority of the game. 

Lauren Kahn led UConn with six points, scoring four times. Morgan O'Reilly finished with two goals and two assists. Shannon Nee played the first half and made one save for the win. Marya Fratoni came in relief and made two stops in the second half. 

Iona (1-1) will have a week off before they travel to #14 Massachusetts next Saturday at noon.