PISCATAWAY, NJ - The Iona College softball team dropped a non-conference slugfest 9-5 to Rutgers Thursday afternoon at RU Softball Complex.

Sophomore Allison Hand and junior Katie Jansson each recorded two hits for the Gaels, with Jansson driving in four on a fifth inning home run.

Rutgers got the scoring started with a run in the bottom of the first on a double to right center by Chandler Howard.

The Scarlet Knights would extend their lead to 4-0 with three runs in the third inning. Jackie Bates and Jordan Whitley each delivered run scoring doubles before a sacrifice fly by Jennifer Harabedian.

Rutgers would extend it's lead to 8-0 with five runs in the fourth inning. Loren Williams drove in two with a double to right center. Bates drove in a run with a ground out to second and Melanie Slowinski drove in the final two runs of the inning with a single to left field.

Iona cracked the scoreboard in the top of the fifth five runs.Senior Beth Kann led off the frame with a home run to left center. After a walk to freshman Sarah Schutz and single by sophomore Allison Hand, the two advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Carly Argyle was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Jansson responded with a grand slam to center field.

For Jansson it marked her second home run of the season, first career grand slam, and first homer since the season opener against Detroit.

The Gaels would only be able to put on one runner for the remaining of game, as the team fell to 4-26 on the season in non-conference action.

Freshman Jordan Courage took the loss for Iona, allowing six earned runs in 4.0 innings of work. Dresden Maddox picked up the win for Rutgers, allowing two hits and eight walks in 3.1 innings, scattered over two appearances.

Iona is back in action Saturday, when its travels to Marist for a MAAC doubleheader, beginning at 12:00 pm.