ALFRED, NY - The Iona College women's lacrosse team picked up its first victory of the 2014 campaign in a 12-5 defeat of St. Bonaventure at Alfred University's Yunevich Stadium. Senior midfielder Nina Veneziale posted four goals while sophomore attack Mary Kate McCormick and junior mid Bernadette Gennaro had two goals and an assist a piece.

The Gaels got on the board in the first minute of the contest with a McCormick tally off a free position shot. Following an equalizer by the Bonnies in the fourth minute, Iona scored five straight goals to take the lead for good. Veneziale scored twice during the run while junior mid Meghan Testoni, rookie mids Katelyn Noschese and Erin Pugh added the others. The Gaels led 7-3 at the half following Veneziale's third of the frame.

Iona scored five of the first six goals of the second half and led by as many as eight goals before St. Bonaventure's last score with 2:14 left.

Testoni also had three points with a goal and two assists. Senior co-captains Nicole Brancaccio and Angela Grous led with four ground balls. Senior goalie Maria Ortiz recorded 12 saves in the win.

Iona opens MAAC play at home next Saturday (Mar. 29) when the host three-time defending MAAC Champion Canisius at Mazzella Field.