NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College lacrosse team dropped a 16-4 decision to Fairfield University in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action Thursday afternoon at Mazzella Field. Sophomore Mary Kate McCormick led the Gaels with three points in the game on a goal and two assists.

Iona found itself in a deep early hole, as Fairfield scored the first seven goals of the contest. The Gaels got their first tally of the contest on a goal by McCormick with 5:45 left in the opening half. The Stags answered with the final three goals of the half to take a 10-1 advantage into intermission.

In the second half, the two teams traded goals as a score by freshman Erin Pugh trimmed the Fairfield deficit to nine, 12-3, with 14:50 remaining in the contest. Fairfield then went on a 4-0 run to take a 16-3 lead with 7:29 left. Senior Nicole Brancaccio completed the game's scoring with a goal with 1:52 remaining in the contest.

Senior Maria Ortiz made a team high six saves for the Gaels in one half of action, while sophomore Thea Leitman made four saves in a relief effort. Iona was outshot 29-17 in the game, while Fairfield held a 23-20 advantage in ground balls and 13-8 cushion in draw controls.

The Maroon & Gold is back ina action Sunday at 1:00 pm when they travel to Marist for a 1:00 pm start.